On any given night, shelters across the country are full and thousands of people do not have a place to sleep. It is baffling that a city government would want to shut down a peaceful, self-governing homeless encampment when no other housing options exist, particularly in the midst of a recession. But this is exactly what Seattle officials are planning to do on September 30th.

Earlier this week, residents of Nickelsville announced on their blog that Port officials were threatening to sweep the tent city on September 30th (Wednesday). Tent city residents were warned of the Port official's intentions in a cooperative meeting last week. Nickelsville residents requested a permanent location to relocate the tent city, making it clear that they would not move peacefully until this one request was fulfilled. Thus far, the city has not provided an alternative location.

The protests began on September 28th, with homeless self-advocates camping outside the homes of Seattle's mayor and city counselors. Today you can join Change.org by expressing solidarity with the residents of Nickelsville and joining the email campaign to support Nickelsville's request for a permanent, safe place to relocate.

Shutting down a peaceful homeless encampment without providing viable housing alternatives is not only bad policy, it's both inhumane and dangerous for those without a home. Your action is needed today; express solidarity with the residents of Nickelsville and tell Seattle officials to Stop the Sweeps!