[Mpls] It's cold outside!

[m1r3201]

Pretty cold out today! Minnesota weather is particularly tough on people experiencing homelessness. And certainly our city of Minneapolis is cold both literally and in spirit towards our fellow humans out in the cold.
    In Philadelphia, the city requires that when the temp drops below a certain point, teams of social service workers, the police, other public servants go out to find and get people who are outside into a warm shelter until the temp rises.
    On those days no one can be refused shelter.
     This information comes not only from a friend of mine who works in Philadelphia with people who are homeless, it is also discussed in Real Change news a paper out of Seattle in their most recent edition, available on the web.
    To clarify, this is not about people being arrested off the streets, they are not charged with a crime.. the purpose is specifically designed as a humanity issue.
    This is also being done in other East Coast cities. Certainly, the City of Minneapolis should be following suit. Right now, we simply arrest people forced out into the street or harass them or beat them up, or tear down their encampments and steal all of their belongings.
     Steve Brandt in his article today referred to  "..the affordable housing lobby, one of the city's noisiest interest groups." Well, you know, Steve, when immorality such as the above continues be allowed in this city there needs to be a whole lot of noise.
    
      What does it take for people to become outraged in this town to demand of our leaders that they take immediate steps to stop this suffering? It seems like a slam dunk that it is not ok for people to have to be forced into the streets.
       Margaret Hastings Minneapolis-Kingfield