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Advocates for homeless stage protest

Changes to downtown benches prevent people from sleeping on them. That shows hostility, some activists say.

By ANDREA CHANG
Published June 22, 2006

ST. PETERSBURG - With a large crowd of homeless people gathered across the street, a small group of advocates on Wednesday denounced what they called the city's increasing hostility toward the homeless.

Sparked by recent changes to some downtown benches that prevent people from lying down, the advocates accused the city of human rights violations.

"It's really at an epidemic point right now, and not enough is being done," said Kathleen Mannion, 42, a volunteer with Food Not Bombs.

Held at Mirror Lake, where the homeless frequently line up for free meals, the news conference was called by Refuge Ministries, Food Not Bombs and Critical Resistance. The Rev. Bruce Wright of Refuge Ministries and other speakers encouraged the public to get more involved in homeless issues.

The groups complained about the city moving the homeless from the downtown waterfront, the impact of gentrification in downtown St. Petersburg and the lack of homeless shelters.

"It's combined into an overall strategy that human beings are blight," Brad Bradford, 54, who is homeless, said before the news conference.

An average of 4,710 people are homeless every night in Pinellas County, according to the county's annual homeless survey.

The advocates said changing the benches contradicts the county's 10-year plan to end homelessness. Introduced in April, the plan focuses on education and ensuring adequate shelter.

"I think the plan is a good plan, but what concerns me is getting immediate needs met," Wright said before the news conference.

Members of City Council and the mayor's office could not be reached for comment.

[Last modified June 22, 2006, 06:00:53]