On October 31, the city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida passed an ordinance to make it a crime to feed the homeless. On November 2, they arrested Arnold Abbott, a 90 year old man who has been an advocate of the homeless for the past 20 years. He and two Christian ministers, Dwayne Black of The Sanctuary Church and Mark Sims of St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church, now face 60 days of jail time and $500 in fines.
Tell the city of Fort Lauderdale that feeding the homeless is not a crime! If anything, the city should be actively supporting groups and individuals who conduct outreach programs to help the homeless. Advocates such as Arnold Abbott, Dwayne Black and Mark Sims are among a group of brave and caring individuals who reach out to help others in need. Make sure that these everyday heroes, and the people they help, are not criminalized for their efforts!
Mayor Jack Seiler,
Feeding the homeless is not a crime! If anything, the city should be actively supporting groups and individuals who conduct outreach programs to help the homeless. Advocates such as Arnold Abbott, Dwayne Black and Mark Sims are among a group of brave and caring individuals who reach out to help others in need. Rathering than punishing them for their contributions, you and your citizens should be supporting these everyday heroes.
As signers of this petition, we are demanding that Fort Lauderdale reverse its policy of criminalizing the feeding of homeless people. Additionally, Arnold Abbott, Dwayne Black, Mark Sims and anyone else currently being penalized due to this law are to be released and have all charges dropped immediately.
Remember, the true assessment of a society is its treatment of those most needy amongst them.
Sincerely,
The undersigned
