Ce-Ce Gerlach, Allentown City Council, and Lehigh Valley Stands Up member, is an inspiring advocate for the unhoused community in Allentown. She is working tirelessly to ensure the rights, safety, and dignity of all residents including those experiencing homelessness. In her recent article for The Morning Call, Ce-Ce amplifies the urgent need for an Unsheltered Declaration of Rights in her city.

Lehigh Valley Stands Up, and City Council members Ce-Ce Gerlach and Natalie Santos presented the resolution, which outlines 12 rights for Allentown residents regardless of their housing status, including the right to vote, own personal property, receive medical care, and enjoy public space. 

Allentown City Council rejected the resolution in a 2-5 vote the same week that the United States Supreme Court decided houselessness can be punishable by law.

We stand with Ce-Ce and support her efforts to protect some of our most vulnerable community members. Being unhoused should not be treated as a crime. Regardless of what the hot Cheeto and his cronies do or what plans they have to spread fascism, it’s up to us to stand up against injustice.

When faced with an unaccountable Supreme Court and a right-wing trying to strip our rights away, it’s up to us to come together for the sake of our communities. We protect each other: our communities, our neighbors, our chosen family, and our friends. Together, we’re building stronger communities to ensure we all have access to the resources we need to thrive. Sign up for a local chapter event or respond to this email to get involved statewide!

In community,

 — Edwin, Mary, and Hannah: PA Stands Up Comms Team