People who care

Around 400 unhoused people showed up for "OP Cool Summer," a picnic offering free food, used clothing, dog food, and plenty of water for people living rough in Portland. I was invited to take pictures, and I was deeply moved, yet again, by the generous hearts of unhoused and formerly-unhoused people sharing what they have. The motto of the event was "Scarcity is an illusion," but clearly it is an illusion that makes the lives of many people very difficult. An informal coalition of anarchists, recovery organizations, social justice activists, and--they said it over and over--"people who care" put the event together with no support from government or social service organizations.

I noted that the police were busy with a movie being filmed two blocks away, and they ignored the whole thing. As I drifted around and talked to people, it seemed to me that almost everyone there could be living indoors if only there were health care, mental health care, and addiction treatment available for all people who want it. A few took to the streets after bad investments or gambling; a few had lost their homes and jobs through a dive in the economy. But most were on the streets because this incredibly rich country does not provide health care for all people.

Thanks for your beautiful comments yesterday, and to those of you who wrote letters of affectionate support for the children, a deep bow of solidarity.

More pictures are here.