The Rev. Rich Lang was handcuffed and arrested on June 9 as he protested against the city's policy of cleaning up homeless camps in local parks and greenbelts.

Lang, pastor at Trinity United Methodist Church, was one of 15 people taken briefly into custody when they blocked the intersection of Cherry Street and Fourth Avenue during the protest at city hall. A tent placed in the street had the words "Stop the Sweeps," written in red ink.

In the past, the city would go in and remove encampments, including people's belongings, which were disposed of.

"When you are homeless and don't have much, what you have, you need," said Lang.

The moves generated criticism from homeless advocates and the city has since revised its policy by leaving 72-hour warning notices at campsites before cleaning it. Personal property is stored for 60 days for pick up and residents of the camps are referred to Evergreen Treatment Services for help.

David Takami, spokesperson for the city's Human Services Department said unauthorized encampments are being cleaned up. The city just closed a camp in the southwest Queen Anne greenbelt with where work crews found tons of garbage and litter.

"We are connecting them (homeless camp residents) with services and shelter, with the goal of getting them into permanent housing," said Takami.

Lang acknowledges the camps are not a good way for people to live and that such people need housing.

The demonstrations on June 8 and 9 were put on by Jobs with Justice and the Real Change Organizing Project. Real Change is a homeless newspaper.

During the June 8 demonstration, tents were set up at city hall. The next day protestors blocked the street to get their message across.

When police moved in to clear the street, protestors were taken into custody. They were released an hour later.

"The police were very professional. It was very civil," said Lang.

The city of Seattle is a lead partner in a 10-year plan to end homelessness in King County. This includes $40 million a year to prevent and end the problem.

The plan includes: funding for hygiene facilities; meal programs; eviction prevention and rental assistance; enhanced shelter beds; transitional housing; permanent supportive housing; and other investments.

Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church hosted Tent City 3, city sanctioned roving camp for homeless people in March and April this year. Trinity United Methodist Church was the first religious institution in Ballard to invite Tent City to their parking lot, first in 2001 and again in 2005.

Trinity is currently hosting a permanent Seattle Housing and Resource Effort/Women's Housing Equality and Enhancement League shelter with 20 people sleeping in their gymnasium each night.

Northminster Church provides a place for mentally ill people to sleep at night. Other churches in Ballard have meal programs.

Lang would like to see the church community get more involved in solving homelessness and wants to organize a meeting for pastors in Ballard who have served the homeless in various ways.

"You can't solve homelessness without talking about housing. The church has a moral obligation to work with the state for common wealth," said Lang.

"As a representative of a church, I see no reason whatsoever, why every church can't house someone who is homeless, with 1400 church buildings (in Seattle) empty at night," said Lang.

Last September, Ronnie Robinson, a well-known homeless man passed away in a shed. In May 2007, Long Haired Pete died from exposure to the elements. Other people living on the streets of Ballard had died before and after those deaths.

In March two men living in their vehicles got into a fight. John Robert Dwyer was eventually charged with in the death of Matthew Scott Korpinen.

The Ballard Home For All Coalition has been exploring ways to fund and find a safe place for homeless people with cars and motor homes to park.

The California cities of Sacramento and Los Angeles and Eugene, OR have car camps.

"When you see neighbors naked, give them clothes. When they are hungry, feed them. They are not animals. Begin rebuilding the person to get them back in society," said Lang.

Dean Wong may be reached at deanw@robinsonnews.com