Interview with Alvin Sanderson
Title
Interview with Alvin Sanderson
Description
*content warning for sexual violence*
Alvin Sanderson is an activist who advocates for the rights of unhoused individuals in Austin, Texas. In his interview he describes his fight against Proposition B, a ballot initiative passed in Austin on May 1st, 2021. Proposition B made it a criminal offense to sit, lie down, or camp in public areas. Alvin discusses how houselessness perpetuates cycles of harm and violence, and criminalizing houseless folk will only make matters worse. Alvin specifically points out how Prop B has led to the death of many unhoused folks and also pushes people into the woods, where violence and sexual violence often occur. When unhoused folks are faced with paying fines and potential incarceration or hiding in unsafe areas, there is no safety net and no safe option. Alvin advocates specifically for houseless women as he fears they are more vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, but speaks generally about his compassion towards folks who are facing circumstances similar to those in his past. As a formerly unhoused and formerly incarcerated individual, Alvin deeply understands the trials that many unhoused people in Austin face, and hopes that folks with more privileged backgrounds can come to show compassion as well.
Alvin Sanderson is an activist who advocates for the rights of unhoused individuals in Austin, Texas. In his interview he describes his fight against Proposition B, a ballot initiative passed in Austin on May 1st, 2021. Proposition B made it a criminal offense to sit, lie down, or camp in public areas. Alvin discusses how houselessness perpetuates cycles of harm and violence, and criminalizing houseless folk will only make matters worse. Alvin specifically points out how Prop B has led to the death of many unhoused folks and also pushes people into the woods, where violence and sexual violence often occur. When unhoused folks are faced with paying fines and potential incarceration or hiding in unsafe areas, there is no safety net and no safe option. Alvin advocates specifically for houseless women as he fears they are more vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, but speaks generally about his compassion towards folks who are facing circumstances similar to those in his past. As a formerly unhoused and formerly incarcerated individual, Alvin deeply understands the trials that many unhoused people in Austin face, and hopes that folks with more privileged backgrounds can come to show compassion as well.
Creator
Alvin Sanderson
Publisher
Texas After Violence Project
Date
7 May 2021
Format
.mp4
Language
English
Type
interview
Identifier
tav00117
Coverage
North America--United States--Texas--Travis County--Austin
Interviewer
Amy Kamp
Interviewee
Alvin Sanderson
Location
Collective Campaigns Offices, Austin, Travis County, Texas
Collection
Citation
Alvin Sanderson, “Interview with Alvin Sanderson,” Sheltering Justice, Texas After Violence Project, accessed November 4, 2025, https://shelteringjustice.texasafterviolence.org/items/show/153.