For many people, staying in a hotel is a comforting experience, something associated with leisure or travel. However, for those who find themselves homeless, hotels can quickly become a necessary refuge turned hostile environment. I find myself in this position—a position I never anticipated. Having lost my home through no fault of my own, I've been treated like a criminal, shamed, and thrown out onto the streets by hotels despite paying daily and adhering to their regulations.

The harsh treatment has serious repercussions. Too often I've been thrown out right after making payment, sometimes even within an hour, or had the police called on me when all I've been doing is packing up my belongings. The indignity and stress of such situations only compound the challenges faced by individuals in already precarious positions.

Hotels should implement fair and compassionate policies specifically for homeless guests. Here's what needs to change:

1. **Consistent Daily Rates**: Homeless guests should be offered a fair daily rate that is not subject to fluctuations due to town events or weekends, providing stability and predictability.

2. **Proper Notice and Grace Periods**: In case a guest must leave, they should be informed well in advance. The hotel should ensure a guest is given until the scheduled checkout time or a refund if asked to vacate suddenly, and allow more than 10 minutes to pack their belongings.

3. **Ban Transparency**: If a visitor to a guest's room is banned, these guests should be immediately informed to avoid unforeseen complications.

4. **Emergency Extensions and Respect**: Provide flexibility for guests who have already paid and require an extension, understanding their unique situations.

5. **Avoid Criminal Labels**: Police should not be called unless there is a visible and genuine threat. Homeless persons are not criminals, and they should not be treated as such simply because of their living situation.

By implementing these changes, hotels can transform their image to become allies, not adversaries, for those facing homelessness. These steps are not only about fairness but also about respecting human dignity during the toughest times.

Let's urge hotels to adopt these compassionate practices, ensuring they contribute positively to solving the challenges of homelessness rather than exacerbating them. Stand with us by signing this petition to press for humane, respectful, and just policies for homeless guests in hotels. Your signature can make a difference.