The Fremont City Council voted to revise its controversial homeless camp ordinance, eliminating the clause that could criminalize those aiding encampments. This change aims to protect the rights of volunteers and organizations providing assistance to the unhoused. Local resident Mari-Lyn Harris, who has been living in her van for three years, stressed the need for society to recognize the humanity of homeless individuals, emphasizing that they are often working citizens facing housing affordability issues. Council members clarified that helping with basic needs like food and medical supplies will not be penalized.
"I just try to stay positive, I'm grateful for what I do have. I do have a roof over my head. I have to remind myself it's not that I'm unhoused, I'm just underhoused."
"We are not criminals, we're citizens - most of us work and yet we just can't afford the rent right now."
"Making sure that our organizations or people extending their hands to help the unhoused are not being punished."
"We've repeated so many times that this whole aiding and abetting thing was never meant to you know to refer food water, medical supplies, any of that to people."
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