Homeless people in our area lack spaces to live/exist due to hostile architecture forcing them away from public spaces, despite the fact that those areas should be welcoming, open, and available to all. One particular woman in a town neighboring us would sleep in the same spot daily until spiky fences were added to the area, leaving her with nowhere to go. Rather than providing that woman with help and actual shelter, they simply forced her to relocate.

Hostile architecture is designed specifically to deter homeless individuals from using public spaces. This practice is not only unethical but also exacerbates homelessness by pushing vulnerable people further into precarious situations without addressing their needs for shelter and support.

We need local politicians in Bergen County, NJ, to add initiatives against hostile architecture into their platforms. Ethical urban planning can create inclusive environments where everyone has access to safe and welcoming public spaces. By advocating for these changes, we can ensure that our community supports all its members fairly and humanely.

Sign this petition if you believe Bergen County should prioritize ethical urban planning over exclusionary practices like hostile architecture!