CHICAGO (CBS) — A group of activists working on poverty-related issues set up camp in Humboldt Park on Saturday ahead of a planned protest march during the Democratic National Convention to raise awareness of homelessness in the United States.
Several members of the Poor People’s Army had walked from Milwaukee to Chicago after the Republican National Convention and said they did not receive a warm welcome when they arrived in Humboldt Park.
When members of the Poor’s People’s Army set up camp at the corner of California and Division, they reported that they received an unexpected reaction when they arrived in Humboldt Park after weeks of travel.
“Our first impression was not very good. We were greeted by two buses full of police officers, even though we have small children. That’s not exactly the way to greet or welcome someone to the city of Chicago,” said Cheri Honkala, national organizer for the Poor People’s Army.
Members said they also heard from Ald. Jessie Fuentes (26th), whose district includes Humboldt Park.
“She came down here. She came right up to me,” Honkala said. “She just said, ‘Not around here. You’re not doing that.'”
Fuentes explained her position on social media and published a letter to the Poor People’s Army, urging them to reconsider their actions in Humboldt Park, arguing that they could undermine existing efforts to house and support homeless people already living in tents in the park.
“The demonstration of a tent camp does not improve the conditions of our homeless neighbors, it does not provide resources for their daily needs, nor does it guarantee them shelter. This demonstration will further aggravate an already delicate situation,” Fuentes wrote.
Honkala said that while police and Fuentes were rude to them, neighbors near Humboldt Park were more accommodating, with some bringing them water, lawn chairs and food.
“You know, it’s always the politicians. It’s always the politicians. Nobody just comes from across the street and says, you know, not in my neighborhood. These kinds of things are always politically motivated,” Honkala said. “I hope the mayor will be more welcoming as time goes on.”
The group said it plans to stay in the park until 4 p.m. Monday and then march to the United Center. Its route – which was approved on a technicality because the city did not respond to its permit request in time – would take it past the security perimeter surrounding the DNC.
Organizers said they would stick to their original plan and hope the city will support them in their mission to raise awareness about homelessness.
“We abide by a higher law, and that is that of humanity,” Honkala said. “We must be outraged and ashamed that in our rich country we allow someone to be homeless on our streets for even five minutes. If people are ashamed of that, if the mayor is ashamed of that, then it must be stopped.”
Todd Feurer contributed to this report.
