We have an urgent need to provide security services at the homeless safe camp here in Fresno, CA! Our petition will be presented to the city council meeting on April 22, 2021. 

Please help us as we are asking Fresno mayor, Jerry Dyer, and the city council to sanction the safe camp run by Dez Martinez, Director and Founder of We Are Not Invisible, Fresno.

This petition has been created on behalf of Dez Martinez and those represented by We Are Not Invisible, Fresno. Dez, once homeless herself, has worked tirelessly for over six years helping the homeless population of Fresno, CA. She is a fierce advocate and fights tirelessly to provide support for the homeless population in our city. Dez has spear headed countless efforts to provide homeless individuals access to services, temporary and permanent housing as well as job opportunities. She sets up regular campaigns that provide basic necessities such as water and food. Through the years, Dez has gathered together a solid team of community businesses and helpers that wholeheartedly support her in these endeavors. 

Shortly after the COVID-19 crisis hit our nation and our community, Dez set up a safe camp for homeless individuals in order to provide a place where they were not constantly moved around by the police and homeless task force of the Fresno police department. This camp has also provided a solid foundation for those that are truly seeking help to get back on their feet through permanent housing and jobs. The safe camp has run very smoothly for 8 months without any legal or safety issues. The community has provided the means to secure the necessities to house and feed individuals in this environment that is free of crime, harassment, and intimidation. The camp has asked nothing of the city or local governments until now.

Recently, the camp has developed a critical and urgent need for security for its residents. This need has arisen due to the violent and aggressive activity the camp has experienced from those who are living outside of the safe camp. Dez has tried to hire private security to help but, due to liability concerns, security cannot be provided unless the safe camp is sanctioned by the City of Fresno. 

At this point, the City of Fresno is not willing to sanction this safe camp stating that they would like the community to provide for the safe camp while they use the city funds to provide for permanent housing. We are simply asking the City of Fresno to sanction the safe camp and provide for the modest $50,000 budget that has been presented to the city council. These simple steps would allow us to continue to provide critical services to our homeless population.  

If you are a local resident of Fresno County, please provide your support in this endeavor by simply signing this petition.

We also would greatly appreciate your presence at the next city council meeting, April 22 @ 9 AM. Details will be posted as we get them. 

If you would like more information on next steps you can help We Are Not Invisible in this endeavor, please visit the following link for instructions:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WPgklQ1UlY2pzb8M8aSs9WR7s16w_Azc9_k4_ykiBjo/edit?fbclid=IwAR286o6a-VVInYPyLWf5dAOpSJcztd_rDDlcAWVkSth2jD7b-VM5cZ1x07o

Thank you so much!

www.wanif.org