Ban Anti Homeless Architecture in Cambridge

The Issue

Massachusetts is ranked as having the 7th highest homeless population in the US. Over half of those people don't have a place to sleep. They have to sleep on benches, in parks, under stairs, and even on the street, sometimes in the rain or snow. The homeless population of Cambridge is struggling to survive, and the government of Cambridge is making it harder. 

Anti-homeless architecture isn't always obvious to notice, like spikes under bridges or gates under stairs. Things as simple as hand rests on benches can make it extremely difficult to get some much-needed rest. These benches in the MBTA Central Square station were installed under the guise of "being disability friendly" but are just another way to make the lives of homeless people much harder.

Cambridge is putting money towards punishing homeless people, while they should be using that money to implement homeless shelters and food banks. Just because some people can't afford a home doesn't mean they don't deserve to sleep.

The homeless population is rising rapidly across America, rising 12% since last year. We're heartless if we don't help the homeless get back on their feet and find them a good place to rest.

Please sign this petition so I can present this to the Cambridge City Council so that they can hopefully help stop this cruel denial of our homeless population's human rights.

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The Issue

Massachusetts is ranked as having the 7th highest homeless population in the US. Over half of those people don't have a place to sleep. They have to sleep on benches, in parks, under stairs, and even on the street, sometimes in the rain or snow. The homeless population of Cambridge is struggling to survive, and the government of Cambridge is making it harder. 

Anti-homeless architecture isn't always obvious to notice, like spikes under bridges or gates under stairs. Things as simple as hand rests on benches can make it extremely difficult to get some much-needed rest. These benches in the MBTA Central Square station were installed under the guise of "being disability friendly" but are just another way to make the lives of homeless people much harder.

Cambridge is putting money towards punishing homeless people, while they should be using that money to implement homeless shelters and food banks. Just because some people can't afford a home doesn't mean they don't deserve to sleep.

The homeless population is rising rapidly across America, rising 12% since last year. We're heartless if we don't help the homeless get back on their feet and find them a good place to rest.

Please sign this petition so I can present this to the Cambridge City Council so that they can hopefully help stop this cruel denial of our homeless population's human rights.

The Decision Makers

Cambridge City Council
Cambridge City Council
Council for the City of Cambridge

Supporter Voices

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Petition created on April 25, 2024