ACLU challenges Burlington homeless eviction policy
BURLINGTON — The American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont is fighting the city of Burlington, claiming its policy for evicting homeless residents from camps on public property is unconstitutional.
The class action suit, filed in federal court Friday, currently has three plaintiffs living in a wooded area off of North Avenue behind the former Burlington College, but any homeless resident could join, said Jay Diaz, an ACLU staff attorney.
The ACLU also requested a temporary restraining order to prevent the city from clearing the camp and evicting its residents until a judge rules on their request for a preliminary injunction.
“The fact remains that it’s getting colder. They’re sleeping outside, and they have nowhere to go in this city. That is wrong, and the Constitution prevents it, and we hope the judge will agree,” Diaz told reporters during an impromptu news conference outside U.S. District Court on Elmwood Avenue.
Read more: https://vtdigger.org/2017/10/20/aclu-challenges-burlington-homeless-eviction-policy/#.WeraKnZrzRY