David James Porter, a 54-year-old man living in a tent in downtown Milwaukee near the city’s Intermodal station, is facing an eviction deadline.
He and other homeless individuals have been instructed to vacate the area by Saturday, one day before the Republican National Convention starts. Porter questions the legality of the situation, “How do you lock up a homeless person for being homeless?”
Immediate Relocation Orders
Porter, who has been residing at this location for three weeks, is not alone in this predicament. Several other individuals living in nearby tents have been told they must leave the vicinity before the RNC begins.
This area is close to the convention’s outer “vehicle screening” perimeter.
Unclear Directives
Despite around 100 people being homeless in the downtown and adjacent areas, Milwaukee County representatives assert that they have not issued directives for these individuals to move.
“Our purview and our charges is trying to get them indoors,” Eric Collins-Dyke, deputy administrator for Milwaukee County Housing Services, explained, emphasizing that outreach workers do not have the authority to force relocations.
Police Engagement and Assistance
The Milwaukee Police Department has acknowledged making contact with unhoused individuals, providing them with resources to find housing.
However, they deny that any officers have explicitly asked people to leave the area. Meanwhile, Porter noted a reduction in the number of tents from six to two following police engagement early one morning.
Holding Ground
Daniel King, alongside Porter, is determined to remain at his location.
He explained his reluctance to leave, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding personal belongings: “We have our property in there,” King stated. “I haven’t gone to go get breakfast because I’m waiting for them to come.”
Outreach and Miscommunications
A county outreach worker reportedly suggested that people vacate an area beneath a freeway during cleanup activities, although later attempts to confirm this with the outreach worker were unsuccessful.
Alexis, another individual facing displacement, was placed on a waiting list for housing after being asked to leave her tent by Saturday.
Support Networks in Action
Street Angels, a mobile homeless outreach group, is actively supporting the unhoused by delivering meals and survival gear, alongside information about a new 24-hour reception center.
This center, set to open in conjunction with the RNC, will provide a temporary respite with food, water, and bedding.
Recurring Challenges
This pattern of displacement has been noted in previous national events, reflecting a broader issue of visibility during significant political gatherings.
Similar actions were taken during the 2020 Democratic National Convention and the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, indicating a recurring strategy.
Cleveland’s Past Experiences
The removal of homeless individuals during major political events is not unique to Milwaukee. In 2016, Cleveland also experienced similar situations when the RNC was hosted there.
This highlights a pattern of managing the homeless population during high-profile events.
Unmarked Visits and Pressure
Bernadette Niemczynski, currently residing at a park and ride, reports frequent visits by unmarked vehicles and sheriff’s squads, adding to the pressure to relocate.
“They want us to leave but don’t tell us where to go,” she said, conveying the lack of direction given to those displaced.
Economic Struggles and Insecurity
Niemczynski and her husband have chosen to stay at the park and ride in an effort to save money for housing applications and security deposits.
Despite their efforts, they face threats of citations and vehicle towing, demonstrating the precariousness of their situation.
Persistent Visibility of Homelessness
Sonia, who lives in her Honda Civic with her husband and two dogs, has witnessed the dwindling number of people staying at the same park and ride due to increased enforcement actions.
She poignantly questions the motives behind these displacements: “Homelessness is everywhere,” she said. “Why try to hide us now?”
