Sage Lewis

Supporter’s Guide: Help Amplify the Fight for Winter Shelter in Akron

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by

Sage
in

Ways to Help On-Site

Documentation Tips

  • Take clear, well-lit photos and videos
  • Capture wide shots of the entire scene
  • Document any interactions with officials
  • Record the date and time of all footage
  • Get permission before photographing individuals

Important Details to Document

  • The notice sign stating the October 31 deadline
  • The location (Next to 85 Kent Place, Akron, OH 44305)
  • Any removal of belongings
  • Weather conditions
  • Number of supporters present
  • Any official interactions

Sharing on Social Media

Ready-to-Use Posts (modify as needed)

Twitter/X Templates:

URGENT: Akron advocates are fighting for winter homeless shelter at 85 Kent Place. City plans to remove survival gear as temperatures drop. Witness needed. #AkronHousing #HumanRights

Last winter, an Akron resident lost toes to frostbite while homeless. Now the city is
removing winter survival gear. Follow @sagelewis1971 on X.com for updates from 85 Kent
Place protest. #AkronNews

Proposed: Safe Winter Sleeping Space in Akron
Needed: December-April
Cost to city: $0
Lives saved: Priceless
Support the proposal at 85 Kent Place. #AkronOhio

Facebook/Instagram Templates:

AKRON HOUSING CRISIS UPDATE
Right now at 85 Kent Place, advocates are camping out to protest the removal of homeless residents’ winter survival gear. The city plans to dispose of these critical belongings as temperatures drop.

We’re calling for a Safe Winter Sleeping Space from December through April. No cost to the city. Just a safe place where our unhoused neighbors won’t freeze to death.

Come witness. Document. Share. Stand with us.

What does homelessness look like in Akron?

  • Last winter: People lost toes to frostbite
  • Today: City removing survival gear
  • Tomorrow: You can help change this

Visit 85 Kent Place to support the fight for a Safe Winter Sleeping Space.

Share this post. Tag local media. Help save lives.

Key Hashtags

  • #AkronOhio
  • #AkronHousing
  • #HousingJustice
  • #WinterShelter
  • #HumanRights
  • #SaveLivesAkron

Local Media Tags

https://twitter.com/beaconjournal

https://twitter.com/AkronOhioMayor

https://twitter.com/HankF330ToGo

Talking Points for Conversations & Comments

The Problem:

  • People are losing toes to frostbite in Akron winters
  • The city is removing survival gear as winter approaches
  • No adequate winter shelter solution exists
  • Current policies criminalize survival

The Solution (Winter Safe Sleeping Space):

  • December through April operation
  • Zero cost to the city
  • Basic sanitation services included
  • Supervised, safe environment
  • Makes service delivery easier for all agencies

Key Statistics & Stories:

  • Share about Aaron’s frostbite amputation
  • Mention Harley’s struggle with mental health and shelter
  • Reference the increasing number of homeless residents
  • Emphasize that this affects real Akron neighbors

How to Support from Home

  1. Share Daily Updates
    1. Repost content from supporters on-site
    2. Use the hashtags provided
    3. Tag local media and community leaders
  2. Contact Officials
    1. Share the Winter Safe Sleeping Space proposal
    2. Ask for emergency winter solutions
    3. Request a meeting about the proposal
  3. Build Community Support
    1. Share in local Facebook groups
    2. Post on Nextdoor
    3. Email community organizations

Stay Connected

For updates or to report important developments:

Remember: This is about saving lives. Every share, every post, every conversation helps build the pressure needed for change.

Legal Rights

When documenting:

  • Public spaces are legal to photograph
  • Record any interactions with officials
  • Maintain a respectful distance
  • Follow any legal police instructions
  • Note: You have the right to record police in public

Emergency Contacts

Keep these numbers handy:

  • Sage Lewis: 330-416-7519
  • Community Legal Aid: (800) 998-9454

Daily Update Schedule

Best times to post:

  • Morning (7-9 AM): Weather and overnight updates
  • Noon: Midday developments
  • Evening (5-7 PM): Daily summary
  • Breaking news: Share immediately

Remember: Every share helps build awareness. Every post could help save a life this winter.