During the 2020 COVID-19 crisis, many experienced the harsh realities of financial instability, with countless individuals, including myself, losing their businesses and homes. Owing to delayed financial support—such as stimulus payments and tax refunds—we transitioned from business owners welcomed by our community into individuals viewed with disdain and suspicion. The journey from running a thriving retail store in Cleveland to facing homelessness severed not only our livelihoods but also our dignity.

This transformation wrought by economic hardships has stripped us of the basic respect and humanity that every person deserves. Having studied Criminal Law, it has become urgent for me to advocate for the rights and protections of all, especially those experiencing homelessness. This goes beyond economics; it touches the very core of human rights.

Homelessness should not equate to loss of dignity or rights. Regardless of their housing status, all individuals deserve protection, empathy, and respect. More needs to be done to ensure that the rights of homeless individuals are recognized and upheld as the law of preventive harm is to protect human life because everyone has the right to be safe, to be able to speak and move freely without unfair restrictions, if laws are designed to protect those things society considers valuable. Then it is arbitrary and a conflict of interest to make laws to harm homeless persons. And to criminalize homelessness is not "conduct" because being broke doesn't constitute an "action", it's  " undefined"  actually it is not an "action" per se and the only misconduct or unlawful actions would be panhandling, but to ticket someone for anything else, homeless or not is completely unconstitutional and goes against the fundamental reasons that we have laws already in place.  To protect us. Equally. It can't be illegal to have a hardship.  The only bad conduct I can see here is the ethical and professional conduct of the American people and the Government, which is criminalizing homelessness. Smh, really disturbing and not to mention it's un-American, and I'm wondering now if I want any of my children and grandchildren to be witnesses to this monstrosity and inhumane, illegal conduct. How can we teach compassion and love for our neighbor when you're teaching  the exact opposite

We can start by advocating for policy changes that offer direct financial aid swiftly and ensuring local communities provide resources to help regain stability, and fast-track housing. More robust city programs that focus on helping business owners get back on their feet can facilitate pathways to reintegration into society.

Incorporating education about homelessness in community settings can also reduce the stigma associated with it. Furthermore, an increase outreach for mental health support can aid those battling the dual challenges of not having the comforts of home,  depression and feelings of hoplessness pushes people into doing drugs so let's not do that.   and mental well-being caused by the isolation and ostracism from their community, lack of shelters and showers, so that they  can obtain gainful employment without being able to be clean, which seriously limits moving forward out of homelessness. So, Instead of kicking someone while they're down, maybe you could reach out to a place called Pinellas Hope in Clearwater, Florida, because they are changing what it means to be homeless; they seem to have found a solution, and we can too. We don't give up on our fellow man or woman. It's a real kick in the butt to think for one minute that society just washed its hands of you.  It's really scary outdoors to have to live the way we did for two years, and then four months ago my husband started working full time after being in a coma for 20 days from the corona virus and now we are moving into an apartmentthis Monday. We are in our 50s, and we have had a rough road that didn't have to be that way.  Let us help you change your feelings about the homeless because I know we can.  A lady named Tiffany Reedy from Bread of Life never gave up on us, and another woman, Wendy Dial, never gave up hope or their unconditional care for us.  Thank you, ladies, we will make you proud, and thank you for treating us like the humans we are.  Back to the issue at hand..

Evidence from numerous studies indicates that having support systems and legislative measures can significantly reduce homelessness. And having a great blueprint helps a lot too. Statistics show that local aid can help mitigate the effects of unexpected financial downfalls, allowing communities to work together rather than exclude those in need. I wanted to mention that what you see is nothing like the person they used to be or the person they can be, never back down, never give up, humanity may be all we have left. 

Support this cause to protect and uphold the dignity and rights of homeless individuals. Every signature brings us a step closer to creating a framework that supports everyone in our community, ensuring no one is left behind due to circumstances beyond their control.

Join me in advocating for dignity and respect for all. Please sign this petition.