(from the Boston Homeless Solidarity Committee)
WHAT IS A ‘WINTER PLAN’?
Every year, the City of Boston and state release a ‘winter plan’ that outlines the services it will provide for people experiencing homelessness. These actions are integral to the fight for a safe and dignified survival of the Boston winter.
Last year’s plan consisted of “overflow” areas where guests slept on shelter floors or in chairs. The remaining individuals were bused to sleep in the front atriums of partner providers. Overcrowding and poor conditions caused an outbreak of meningococcal meningitis that took the lives of two homeless men. As such, a winter plan of a similar nature would not only be ineffective, but unconscionable.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Last year’s plan was not released until mid-January, a timeline that did not serve those most vulnerable in our community as inclement weather started months earlier. It’s imperative that the powers that be not only commit to, but also act upon a plan immediately. Temperatures continue to drop and the shelters remain at capacity. Those with unstable housing have increased health and safety risks, and these multiply tenfold in the winter months.
HOW CAN I HELP?
Participate in the Boston Homeless Solidarity Committee’s call in to demand an immediate release and enactment of a Boston ‘Winter Plan.’ Call or email Monica Valdes Lupi, ED of the Boston Public Health Commission and Mayor Marty Walsh during the week of 8/5. Please act sooner than later. This action will take 5 minutes, but will have a profound impact on the lives of those experiencing homelessness in Boston.
- Marty Walsh, Mayor of Boston (617)635-4500 mayor@boston.gov
- Monica Valdes Lupi, ED of the BPHC (617)534-5395 maldeslupi@bphc.org
WHAT DO I SAY?
Hello [NAME]. My name is [YOUR NAME]. I am from [YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD] and I am calling to express the need for the immediate release and implementation of a Winter Plan including:
A commitment to the following for the duration of the winter:
- Establishing enough public and private space that is safe, sanitary and secure to be used as nighttime shelter.
- Providing guests with cots to sleep on, not mats or floor space.
- Adequate storage space for guests in temporary and permanent shelters.
- Shelter hours conducive to a worker’s schedule (at least 8 PM to 6 AM).
- Consistent and reasonable transportation schedules for necessary busing.
- Ensuring a minimum of 1 case manager for every 20 shelter guests.
- Opening public facilities, such as a BCYF facility or a school, for daytime shelter and overnight drop-in.
WHAT’S NEXT?
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