<div id=":3e1" class="ii gt"><div id=":3ze"><div class="im">As many of you know, yesterday evening
the temporary restraining order was lifted that protected the Occupy Boston Dewey Square encampment from a
raid, leaving it open to exposure of eviction and clearing. We fully
expect this to be the case, given the recent evictions of Occupies in
other cities. <br>
<br><b>In the event of a raid, we are looking for temporary spaces for
one, two, or three weeks for houseless activists at Occupy Boston. </b>
Many shelters have already opened their doors and made space available,
but these are widely distributed and there are not enough beds for
everyone. Members of Occupy Boston's Safety Team are working with
these individuals to make sure they are able to safely get offsite, and
would accompany individuals offsite in the event of a raid. <br>
</div><u><br>Please note: This is a temporary solution, not a permanent encampment. </u>
It is especially important to have a temporary space night-of, for
people who cannot be arrested and need a place to stay. If you work
with homeless advocacy services and have beds available, please let us know that
as well. <div><div class="im">
<br><b>We are ALSO looking for more permanent spaces to house Occupy Boston, in part or in whole, through the winter. </b>
Our aim is
not to continue the encampment for its own sake, but to find a long-term
space where we can organize without constant threat of eviction, so that
the encampment will not merely be a drain on our resources, but a vital
site for old and new activists to come together to organize and plan
next steps with the aim of decamping in the spring. <br><u><br>
We are considering all options -- church space,
housing, meeting space,
rotating encampments</u> -- and would love to meet with anyone who
is able to offer short or long-term support in this regard. Of particular interest
are sites that are able to offer indoor and
outdoor space (to maintain the visibility of the tent city) as well as
the ability to host working groups for meetings. We are well aware of the danger of overdrawing resources,
and would
work closely with anyone interested in providing support to make sure
that we are not overstaying our welcome or abusing the goodwill of the
community around us. <br><br>If
you are able to provide space in ANY capacity - or if you know of
someone who might -- please get in touch with Katie Gradowski or Anna
Aizman as soon as possible. <br>
<br>Many thanks to all for your continued support!<br><br>Katie Gradowski<br><br><a href="tel:410-967-5207" value="+14109675207" target="_blank">410-967-5207</a><br><br>Occupy Boston Outreach Working Group
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