Background
Golden Door is a grassroots effort to rally Americans to pursue dignity and freedom in US policies to end homelessness. We urge local and national governments to reclaim its long-standing commitment of human rights and civic participation as a guiding principle in the development, and change, of policies to end homelessness.
In the wealthiest country in the world, several million people cannot afford housing for themselves or their families. Without shelter from the elements, homeless people do what any desperate person would do: find a blanket, a tarp, a bush, or a bridge, and try to get sleep and a measure of warmth. Yet, to perform this very act, even to survive, is considered “camping” which is a crime in most cities across the US. As a result, people who are left to sleep on the streets are forced to keep moving throughout the city all night or risk getting fined or sent to jail. Under these conditions, people lose hope as their efforts to better their condition is thwarted by an overburdened and demoralizing system of care. Everybody deserves the opportunity and freedom to survive and pursue their potential. Our local and national policies should reflect this fundament and historic American value.