THE RAVEN DECLARATION

Sunday, March 12, 2017

Today we gather on these steps to honor the person and spirit of Raven Canon our
friend, our hero, our ally, our advocate, and our voice.

We are gathered on these steps today to acknowledge that Ravens passing leaves a
hole in our community, and in our lives, that cannot be filled by another. And yet her
work, her voice, her advocacy, - HER PASSION must continue to be carried out.

We are gathered on these steps today because we know that Raven was and is just
one of many among us WHO have and are SUFFERING THE INJUSTICE of living each day
without adequate shelter, without enough food to eat, without necessary clothing,
without needed health care, or without substantial employment.

WE are gathered on these steps today because Ravens spirit calls us to follow her
lead to bring change to our community so that ALL PEOPLE AMONG US will have a bed
to sleep in, access to appropriate health care, sufficient food, enough clothing, and
proper employment.

WE are gathered on these steps today to tell THE COMMUNITY OF COLORADO SPRINGS
THESE INJUSTICES MUST STOP, and we will not rest until they do.

WE WILL CONTINUE to walk the trails, the creek sides, the parks, and wherever those
without shelter are choosing to stay.

WE WILL CONTINUE to offer food, clothing, and whatever else is needed to those who
are without shelter.

WE WILL CONTINUE to assist those without shelter in finding appropriate and

necessary health care.

WE WILL CONTINUE to ADVOCATE for those without shelter by CHALLENGING our

Mayor, our City Council, our City Administrators, our Politicians, our Business Leaders
and Owners, as well as every citizen of Colorado Springs to a broader vision for
providing help, support, and comfort by . . .

Providing an open space where the unsheltered may temporarily shelter

themselves and receive services that will enable him or her to begin the journey
back to a fuller, more meaningful life.

Utilizing their influence and authority in working with developers to provide

livable and sustainable housing to which those who are unsheltered will have
access.
 Creating maintainable employment for those who are unsheltered thereby
providing a viable option for income which lessens the need for panhandling and
begging on street corners and medians.

Protecting the rights of those who are unsheltered to move freely, rest, and sleep
in public spaces with retribution or punishment.

Removing barriers that keep the unsheltered from accessing health care and social
services.

Protecting the rights of the unsheltered to protect themselves from the elements
in a way that doesnt obstruct public access.

Protecting the right of the unsheltered to occupy a legally parked car.

Protecting the right of the unsheltered to share food and eat in public.

We are gathered here today on these steps to honor the spirit, the memory, and the
passion of Raven, and to assure that not one more person must die because they had
no secure place to lay his or her head or keep his or her belongs.

And all who are gathered said, Yes, this will be!