Friends,

I am sorry to report that Wichita's city council has voted to pass the proposed ordinance. This new ordinance has made it so that a single 911 call can be made to remove many homeless encampments. There is an allowance for encampments that are considered to be, "out of view" that requires a 48 hour notice. Additionally, this proposal reduces the total possible fine for camping from $500 to $200.

There is a silver lining though, with the passing of the ordinance, Wichita now has a method of holding onto IDs from "clean ups". Additionally, during the meeting, we were notified that Wichita is very close to having a working municipal ID system.

It is important during losses such as this to recognize what makes things like homelessness worth fighting for. Our homeless neighbors deserve better than criminalization. We need to continue to be loud and proud when it comes to compassion and empathy for our fellow humans.

As I have said before. Wichita can be better. Wichita will be better.

Thank you all for lending your signatures and your voices.

--

Sincerely,

Piper Thomas