Homeless Camp on Bear Creek Greenway Swept by Medford Police | US AS WE ARE

In this extended episode of Us As We Are, we pay a visit to a homeless camp along the Greenway near Bear Creek Park in Medford. While there, we talk to a Greenway resident named T Bone, who is the builder of a massive fortress-like dwelling used by the homeless community as a hub of social activity. T Bone is kind enough to invite us into his world and show us all he built, ahead of a police sweep expected the following day. We also speak with a homeless man nicknamed Pockets, camping near T Bone, who articulately expresses the feelings and realities of living without a house in Medford. A little later, we sit down with lawyer Justin Rosas and two of his legal partners, who explain why Medford's enforcement of anti-homeless laws are allegedly unconstitutional, and how his law firm is suing the city to try and put a stop to the sweeps.

The day following this camp tour and conversations, we witness the sweep of nearby encampments by Medford Police. Despite T Bone having received a 72 hour notice of illegal camping which was scheduled to be enforced on the same morning, the police seem to have delayed their action as a result of the large activist and media presence on the scene. Regardless, we manage to capture a lot of what the police and "Clean Sweep" crews from Rogue Retreat do during these incidents.

T Bone, along with a homeless advocacy activist, were arrested a few days after this video was shot. For more up to date information about what happened, definitely check out the coverage by Siskiyou Street News, which can be found at www.facebook.com/SiskiyouStreetNews

There is also a great article covering this story from Jefferson Public Radio: bit.ly/3lyz7Vp