When homeless Santa Barbara resident Ross Stiles was murdered last year, the police closed the investigation before the coroner's report was finished. It was just one of 28 known homeless deaths in Santa Barbara in 2009. In response, local social worker Ken Williams drafted a ten-point Homeless Bill of Rights. 

The Homeless Bill of Rights includes the right not to be murdered, physically assaulted or raped, the right to shelter during severe weather, the right to medical care and shelter when sick or injured, and the right not to be demonized by private or government entities. It lists rights so basic they should go without saying. But it's depressingly clear that when it comes to homeless people, they aren't. Homeless peoples' right to safety and survival must be pushed into public consciousness.

Santa Barbara's proposed bill takes a step in the right direction. Advocates hope the bill will raise awareness about the issues facing homeless people and that the attention will lead to support for Santa Barbara's homeless community. Nine groups are already backing the bill and the bill's advocates are looking for more. If successful, maybe the bill could be a model for other places aiming to create a Homeless Bill of Rights and make their communities safer for all.

Tell Santa Barbara's leaders to lead the way on a Homeless Bill of Rights today!

Photo credit: Matt from London