Economic Justice

Resources

New report shows that by ending debtors’ prisons, lawmakers could boost the health of thousands in Washington

Published: 
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
When it comes to how healthy you are, money matters— a lot.
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ACLU-WA Suit to Stop Destruction of Homeless People’s Property Will Move Forward

News Release, Published: 
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
The U.S. District Court today denied the ACLU’s motion for a temporary restraining order prohibiting the City of Seattle and the Washington State Dept. of Transportation (WSDOT) from seizing and destroying homeless people’s property without probable cause and constitutionally adequate notice.
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Whether you live in a mansion or under a bridge, the government can’t just take your stuff

Published: 
Thursday, January 26, 2017
In America, everyone has the right to their personal property. Whether we live next door or outdoors makes no difference; The Constitution protects each of us, all of the time.
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Lawsuit Seeks to End Unlawful Seizure and Destruction of Homeless People’s Property

News Release, Published: 
Thursday, January 19, 2017
The Episcopal Diocese, Real Change, and two homeless individuals filed a class action lawsuit against the City of Seattle and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) for violating the constitutional rights of people living outside by seizing and often throwing away their property – without adequate notice, an opportunity to be heard, or a meaningful way to reclaim any property that was not immediately destroyed.
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Every person has a right to privacy in their home, no matter what that home looks like

Published: 
Thursday, December 22, 2016
People who lack adequate housing still create for themselves homes. They have privacy rights
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With Bad Weather Arriving, City Must Address Urgent Situation of Homeless People

Published: 
Friday, October 14, 2016
While the City moves to develop sustainable, long-term solutions to the homelessness crisis, it must also abandon the ineffective, inhumane policy of chasing Seattle’s homeless population from place to place. Seattle currently lacks adequate housing for the number of individuals living outdoors.  People will live outdoors because they have no choice. 
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Humane Treatment Needed in Helping Homeless Find Shelter

Published: 
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
An ordinance crafted by the ACLU, Columbia Legal Services, and other allies provides a fair, balanced, and compassionate response to people living without shelter in Seattle.
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No Money, No Freedom: The Need for Bail Reform

Document, Published: 
Friday, September 16, 2016
The ACLU-WA has issued a position paper examining the many harms of jailing of people in Washington before trial when they are unable to pay money bail, and recommending principles for reform.
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