Lots of important info, please read all!

This past Friday, two people were evicted from their encampment home in Olympia’s Watershed Park. One of them was arrested for refusing to obey our city’s no-camping ordinance.

For one year now, we have been advocating for our city to repeal our unjust no-camping ordinance and/or to designate legal camping spots for those who are living unsheltered in our community. Despite these efforts, no steps have been taken by our city’s leaders towards either of these goals. And so, if our leaders will not designate places for people to sleep and shelter themselves safely- we will.

Just Housing has made the commitment to defend the recently evicted encampment location in Watershed Park as a “Designated Legal Camping” spot, until our city desginates an alternative location(s).

The Grand Opening of this encampment will take place this upcoming Saturday, beginning at 10am. Throughout the week, Just Housing organizers will be providing tours of this location- both to folks who are interested in living there and to those who wish to see what a designated legal camping spot could look like/why we have chosen this location.

We invite you to join us to celebrate the opening of this spot, while simultaneously defending it’s existence. We will be ensuring that all of those who wish to participate in this event can do so at a level they are comfortable with.

No Risk: Spread the word, donate food/drinks/supplies. Email/call our city leaders and ask them to repeal the no-camping ordinance and/or designate alternative legal camping locations.

Little to no risk: Hold signs along the road, have a presence at the trailhead

Medium risk: Have a presence at the encampment, be willing to receive a trespass order (this is a warning, not a criminal charge)

Most risk: Have a presence at the encampment, be willing to receive a trespass order and continue to stay and risk being arrested.

Interested in a tour? Here are some times we have set for tours so far:

Monday: 11am & 5:15pm
Tuesday:12pm & 5pm
Wednesday: 5pm
Thursday: 12pm & 3pm

Pick a time and meet us at the Watershed Park trailhead off of Henderson Blvd or message us to ask about transportation assistance!

Thank you all for your your support and solidarity ♥