My friends are facing relentless challenges. They are persistently targeted by law enforcement for merely existing in public spaces—sleeping, talking, or taking care of their personal hygiene. Without access to a home, their basic rights and dignity are stripped away as they are forced to navigate the harsh realities of life without shelter. This has become a daily struggle for them, and I've been entrusted with the responsibility to advocate for a viable solution. They desperately need a sanctuary, a designated area where they can feel safe and protected from unjust treatment.

Currently, the laws governing local parks in Durango unfairly target the unhoused community, providing an excessive mandate for officials to harass and restrict their personal growth and potential. To avoid being criminalized for daily activities, access to private property or public housing is essential, yet not accessible to everyone in need. Therefore, we propose the establishment of an official encampment, sanctioned by the city, in a mutually agreed-upon location involving representatives from both the local refugee population and city officials.

This encampment aims to provide vital access to hygiene facilities, secure sleeping quarters, and communal spaces, fundamentally respecting human dignity. It is crucial that it operates under ordinances distinct from those currently imposed in public spaces, developed through the collaboration of all community members involved. Furthermore, it should remain inaccessible to city officials, including law enforcement, unless warranted or in times of immediate threat, protecting the residents from unwarranted intrusion.

Additionally, the camp should exclude federal immigration officials to ensure it is a haven safe from state violence. The constant cycle of citations, fines, and incarceration does nothing to enhance the community's safety or well-being. Instead, it deepens the struggles of a vulnerable and marginalized group.

This encampment is more than just shelter. It is a step towards a larger movement for reclaiming spaces for displaced individuals, whose lands have historically been exploited by corporations and the state. We must make this a priority for Durango—to protect and empower a community in need, to uphold their rights, and to foster a compassionate and inclusive environment for the future.

By signing this petition, you join the call for a place of security, dignity, and hope. Please stand with us in advocating for this crucial change.