In response to recent hate crimes against homeless people in Chicago, the Heartland Alliance Health (HAH) outreach team joined the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless and several other institutions for a candlelight vigil to pay respects to the lives lost and affected by this senseless violence.
Ricardo believes deeply in the philosophy of service and activism, and is no stranger to flexing his first amendment right and organizing for change in housing policy and criminal justice reform. A human rights worker’s job is never done, and Ricardo sees his participation with organizations like ONE Northside and other fair housing initiatives as just another part of the fight for equity and opportunity for all.
Why was it important to participate in this vigil?
Because our work and lives as social workers and members of our community cannot tolerate bigotry against any of our members. Because attention needs to be drawn to this issue so proper funding is finally allocated after years of failed political promises and policies regarding housing as a Human Right.
Why do you continue to serve in this capacity, even during COVID-19?
Because our work is out there with and for the good people of our community and mainly those in need. We are here to recognize and serve those who are less privileged and those who are seen as less deserving in a hierarchical and stratified society of equally imperfect human beings.
What do we need to do as a community to ensure an end to these hate crimes? What do we need to do to ensure an end to homelessness?
We need an end to the stratified society. If each human being is equal according to our political creeds then there should never be anyone in need of food, or housing, or any social service in a society that can so easily provide for those in need. The resources to provide safe housing to everyone are there already but the priorities are set according to some market myths where an upper stratum of society gets prioritized despite being the ones owning and controlling all resources.
