P.M.GRAN.TE in partnership with El Movimiento Sigue and the Transforming Justice Project is entering its third year providing events and resources focusing on community-based wellness and mutual aid for People of Marginalized Genders locally in Pueblo, CO. We offer an ongoing free resource closet stocked with women’s clothing, hygiene items, sexual/reproductive health supplies, and advocacy education/activities at bi-weekly drop ins open to gender marginalized people (women and non-binary/trans folks) who are experiencing houselessness/housing instability, criminal legal system involvement, poverty, racism, substance use, and recovery from domestic/sexual violence and food insecurity.
This is a collection of writing prompts and stories of personal experiences, struggles, and hopes for a better future by participants.
About the impact of the sweeps:
“I will lose my only home, if housing vouchers were made available that would help. If we could get some sort of assistance to get to a safe place, like BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land it would help. I cannot go to a shelter due to pets.”-A.
“The sweeps that are going to be happening are devastating for many of my friends which now I call my family I wish and hope that the government can come up with some sort of tiny homes too.”-V.
“What are we supposed to do once the jungle is cleared out? I feel like we the people should come together and fight this to win because we’re all in this together. I also think that the government should make little houses for us homeless people.”-J.
“Don’t like it at all. I believe I should own it. I’ve been there 20 years I started the place, they say if you can stay and live somewhere for ten years you can own it. I don’t come out and fight for it cause I got a warrant. I got to do 140 days in jail.”-D.
“The government doesn’t have places the elderly or disabled can afford, so we have to go to the only place we can go, the jungle. It sucks but what else are we suppose to do. I’m 63 and am living in the jungle cuz I can’t afford anything else right now.”-C.
“This will effect me as I live on Fountain Creek. Where do they want us to go, what do I do? I will lose everything as I have to leave a lot of stuff behind. They need to open up building for us. So many buildings not being used a lot of us have income but have had evictions and/or can’t afford everything they are asking for.”-J.
“It is a very big concern to me about the sweeps that they are going to be doing on Fountain Creek as they are going to be able to use excessive force!!!!! I am myself homeless, and actually working on staying back at home with my family, but it still hurts my heart knowing that this is going to happen to our people out there!”-R
“The sweep will affect me because I’m already homeless in a tent in the jungle. I’ve been a foster kid majority of my life never really having a home anyways. With that being said I have always adapted and bounced back so I guess I’ll have to do it over again once more. Sad but true its one of the only things I’m good at.”-B.
“The sweep is going to uproot O. and myself. Approx. 250 people are going to be forced to move their entire life with no place to go. It is heartbreaking as well as nerve racking. I anticipate many sleepless nights and panic attacks.”-M.
“Clearing out the “Jungle” is an infringement on our personal rights for a place to live, since proper and clean housing isn’t available for many of those of us who don’t have a place to live. The city should provide for low income housing since there isn’t many places to live. I myself don’t spend much time there but know many who do.”-R.
Alternate solutions to fines and jail:
“I think a better solution for the loitering I got would be to help to get back on our feet, and have more programs for even the public to come and see the way our programs HELP us, and not just judge us right away. I think we ALL NEED a helping hand every now and then!!(exclamation point happy face)”-R.
“I think an alternative housing would be helping people that are truly on the streets first and give them a chance.”-A.
“Need more people who has heart + wants to help not lie about helping. Open up these abandoned houses or motels that are not in use. Give people a chance to want to change give them, us, hope, and trust.”“Need more people who has heart + wants to help not lie about helping. Open up these abandoned houses or motels that are not in use. Give people a chance to want to change give them, us, hope, and trust.”-S
What do these words make you feel/see? (Freedom, Liberty, Justice etc…)
“Free- Be free from this addiction I’m battling
Decision- When will I be ready to make this decision
Choice- Every day is a choice.
Allowed- Will I be allowed to be “normal” again.
Unbound- to be free of the weight.
Redemption- Make things in my life right again.”
-“Freedom, Justice, + Liberty
Our nation was built on the idea of freedom, justice, and liberty for all… however it has become blatantly obvious in recent years that only applies to those to those who have money and/or willingly bend down and conform to the “social norms”. Anyone who dares ask “why” is immediately stripped of that privilege that in all reality should be a right.”-T.
“Freedom, Justice, Free Spirit
Freedom: Able to responsibly do as you please when and where you want at any given time.
Justice: Finally being able to breathe. Huge weight lifted off chest.
Free spirit: A happy, positive, friendly, soul/person. Someone that makes the world brighter!”-K.
“Freedom, Justice, Liberty, Choice, Freeness, Independent, Self
I was locked up for 5 years so freedom makes me feel free when I got released
Independence I am a very independent woman.”-A.
“I am a very free spirited woman, and I am free to live the way I want, but only allowed to live along the Laws of Freedom. I feel I am a pretty liberated woman, and I do believe in equality
Deeply! I want to make a difference in our world, and I plan on doing so!!(exclamation point happy face)”
-R.
