City of Fresno Continues to Destroy Homeless Peoples Property

Frances Sanchez said the City of Fresno took her couch this morning. “It wasn’t much, but that is all I had to sleep on. Now it’s gone!” Sanchez is one of about 100 homeless people currently living on Santa Clara street in downtown Fresno. Santa Clara is the street in front of the Poverello House, a homeless center, where Big Sue died on December 28, 2011 (see: http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2012/01/06/18704249.php ). Big Sue died while sleeping on the sidewalk in front of the “Pov,” following the raids by city workers who took and destroyed homeless peoples property.

Other homeless people on Santa Clara described how the police came, followed by someone who took their shopping carts, and then the sanitation department who took things that would allow them to live more comfortably. Sanchez said they took peoples chairs, mattresses, anything that can be used as a cushion on the sidewalk, sleeping bags, and other peoples couches.

Big Sue’s funeral will take place on Saturday, January 14 at 11 a.m. Participants will assemble on Santa Clara Street west of F Street where Big Sue will join us. She will “come home” to Santa Clara Street, and stop at her memorial for a few minutes. Participants will walk behind Big Sue’s hearse to the Homeless Church (near San Benito and Broadway) for her service at approximately Noon. The service will be followed by a lunch repast served to the guests of honor, the homeless of Fresno.