LETTERS IN THE EDITOR’S MAILBAG: Friday’s paper

LETTERS IN THE EDITOR’S MAILBAG: Friday’s paper


Farr didn’t give Occupy its due

In the March issue of the Vagabond, Eugene City Councilor Pat Farr wrote an article about the city’s history of assisting the homeless, including the present task force: Opportunity Eugene. In fact, Opportunity Eugene began thanks to the initiative of a group called Occupy Eugene, which Farr and other City Council members voted to evict from its peaceful encampment at Seventh Avenue and Jefferson Street.

From its inception, Occupy Eugene has been a haven for those living on the streets, people who routinely experience the heavy consequences of social and economic inequality. They helped Occupy Eugene with their diversity, participation and knowledge of how to survive in the elements. Occupy Eugene helped them by empowering their voices and installing food and medical tents for their benefit.

Farr failed to mention in his article the work of the Occupy participants, community allies and homeless people who make up the task force.

NICOLE MEDEMA

Eugene