Every human being arrives in this nation with "certain inalienable rights." What applies to the housed, applies also to those men, women and children without homes. Thinking about that and talking it through with my friend, Jonathan Grace has led me to propose a first draft of a homeless persons' bill of rights.
Essential Articles
1. Every person who experiences homelessness has a right to a permanent place to call home.
2. Every person who experiences homelessness has a right to personal security and safety.
3. Every person who experiences homelessness has a right to restroom and hygiene facilities.
4. Every person who experiences homelessness has a right to police protection.
5. Every person who experiences homelessness has a right to privacy.
6. Every person who experiences homelessness has a right to educational options.
7. Every person who experiences homelessness has a right to treatment services.
8. Every person who experiences homelessness has a right to basic human respect from others.
9. Every person who experiences homelessness has a right to sit down and rest in public places without harassment or derisive treatment.
10. Every person who experiences homelessness has a right to be heard in the public dialog of the cities where they reside.
11. Every person who experiences homelessness has a right to access food.
12. Every person who experiences homelessness has a right to receive adequate health care.
13. Every person who experiences homelessness has a right to basic human services and income supports.
14. Every person who experiences homelessness has a right to secure his/her belongings without fear of loss.
15. Every person who experiences homelessness has a right to a decent life.
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