For the past nine days Monroe Park, right near Virginia Commonwealth University, has been the site for protesters protesting their disgust with the homelessness epidemic spreading throughout the city of Richmond. The group set up tents and furniture in the park, refusing to leave until the city recognized the homeless population. Early Thursday morning Richmond Police recognized the homeless population by arresting the protesters stating that staying in the park after dark was a violation of the city ordinance. After several of the protesters refused to identify themselves to authorities they were taken into custody and charged with obstruction of justice.
The city of Richmond has a poverty rate of over 20 percent. In other words, one in five residents living at or below the poverty line.
