On Sunday, October 10th, Creative House Liberation hosted a rally, march and occupation of an abandoned building in downtown San Francisco. This group - composed of community organizers, children and families, students, immigrant workers, squatters, homeless people, and others -- occupied Hotel Leslie at 587 Eddy Street. Over 120 people convened for this event, which began around noon at Civic Center with speakers, musicians and spoken word. Eventually, Eventually, the group marched up Larkin Street to the hotel, gathering outside for more performances and speakers, tours of the abandoned building, and the eventual occupation of the building by a core group of people.

There was music, food and dancing in the streets. Over 50 people went inside to tour the 68-unit building, and found a building that was not only inhabitable, but in excellent condition. 18 people remained inside after the police arrived and occupied the building, escaping before the SFPD Tactical Squad raided the building to arrest them. The officers entered the building to find that occupiers had created an obstacle course, blocking the stairwells with trash. No arrests were made.

Hotel Leslie has remained unoccupied for over two years. It is estimated that there are between 6,000 and 7,000 homeless people living - and dying - on the streets in the city of San Francisco. The city’s proposed Sit/Lie ordinance on the November ballot, which criminalizes using sidewalks for anything more than walking, makes it even more likely that the only places of rest for the homeless will be jail cells and graves.

World Homeless Day/Empty Building Occupation | More Photos from the Hotel Leslie Liberation | Hotel Leslie Occupied by Homeless! | Takeover of Empty Tenderloin Hotel in San Francisco | ALERT- The Leslie Hotel Is Now Occupied By Homeless

Event Announcement: World Homeless Day 10.10.10 Creative Housing Liberation | Past Event Announcement: Creative Housing Liberation: Indybay |