The week after Idaho’s legislative session began, it was reported that a tent city popped up in front of the state capitol.
The demonstrators are there to get attention, citing the lack of affordable housing, and lack of emergency shelter beds according to KTVB.
Some protesters said they were members of Boise Mutal Aid, a group associated with the Occupy Movement, which has previously erected a tent city in Boise in protest about a decade ago.
Boise Mutal Aid made a call to action post on January 5th. “ALL HANDS ON DECK! Urgent community action needed! The community at the Boise Mutual Aid warming space has decided to hold a protest and camp-in at the Capitol today (Jan 5th) at noon to demand housing and an end to police harassment. They will need major community support to have their voices heard. We will need to folks to help with set-up, security, scouting, de-escalation, and legal observering. We also need a lot of large tents,heaters, coffee, hot water, etc. Come through for your neighbors. We keep us safe!”
They again made a similar post on January 16th, calling for support, “We’re workin real hard to get support together for an action that our neighbors sleeping on the streets are planning. They have asked for yall to show up and help make signs Sunday Jan 16th around noon and stand in solidarity. Hit us up in the dms if you’re able and want to come together with us to support.”
According to the report done by Channel 7 KTVB, the protesters are there because there aren’t enough beds to accommodate the homeless in Ada county. One woman they interviewed said she is living out of her car.
KTVB also talks to Boise Rescue Mission, which says they have a total of 500 beds and only about 350 of them are currently occupied. Boise Rescue Mission does have some rules they ask of those under their roofs. They do not allow alcohol or drug use and they have set times for checking in and those using their services must show respect.
The woman living out of her car when asked about BRM explains that some homeless don’t want to or can’t comply with the rules to have a warm bed.
Looking at posts from Boise Mutal Aid from tonight, it appears that the Police may be removing some if not all of those at camping near the capitol.
Idaho Dispatch, Gregg Pruit went live earlier today from near the tent city.
Ammon Bundy made a campaign video highlighting how this will become more normal under the current administration and leadership in Idaho.
The protesters want the state of Idaho and localities to provide more resources for the homeless. Currently, the shelters ran in Ada county are privately funded.
A settlement from Martin v. Boise issues $1.3 million to the homeless system in Boise. The city will be paying or has paid the funds to The Our Path Home Executive Committee, a 14-member group including nonprofits and government officials engaged in working on homelessness and affordable housing will make the final decision.
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