Occupy Ann Arbor is more about homelessness than the banks ripping us off

”Big banks target of protesters” is a story in the Sunday, Nov. 6, issue of Ann Arbor.com about the protest that took place on Main Street on Saturday, Nov. 5th.

I have looked in vain for any coverage of ”Occupy Ann Arbor,” a protest that has been going on for three weeks. The issue at Liberty Plaza is less about being ripped off by big banks since the demonstrators have no bank accounts, and more about how to stay alive through the coming winter. This is not a pleasant topic to think about in a city that thinks in terms of public art, green spaces and thrilling bicycle paths.

Funding for the Delonis Center for the homeless has been cut from $160,000 to $51,230. This means that an already overburdened facility will have to turn away more people seeking shelter. ”Occupy Ann Arbor” is collecting signatures for a petition to open a warming center. It needs support and money.

Help to get financial support could come by means of the University of Michigan’s Athletic Department. It has been very considerate to its better class supporters by providing boxes to keep them out of the cold and rain. If these people, as well as the un-boxed fans, were asked to contribute a few dollars at some special game, enough money would be raised for the homeless and the Athletic Department would look truly heroic without spending a dime.

Daria A. Rothe
Ann Arbor