Eve is here. In this post, I listed some disturbing examples of strict new anti-homelessness ordinances and laws enacted in response to the Supreme Court’s Grants Pass decision that criminalized homelessness. Some churches ignore these rules, even as local governments try to expand their reach.
This article makes a smart case for rental and other forms of housing assistance. But the United States has long been committed to an unwavering hatred of the poor, and these punitive policies will continue even as the population generally begins to pay the price due to the rise in infectious diseases such as antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis. Very likely.
by Assistant Professor of Urban and Regional Planning, Michigan State University. It was first published in conversation
Homelessness is a rare issue in American politics that does not fall neatly along partisan or ideological lines. It can be difficult to predict who will support and who will oppose policies that expand affordable housing and services for the homeless.
For example, San Francisco, one of the most progressive cities in the United States, has adopted a number of policies that make it easier for opponents to: delay or block proposed housing projects;. In contrast, churches in many denominations across the United States challenged local zoning ordinances; by provide food and shelter to the homelessEven if city laws and ordinances prohibit sleeping or eating in areas where churches are located.
Supreme Court Grants Pass v. Johnson 2024 City will be allowed to penalize individuals who sleep in public places Even if there is no shelter. The ruling reversed an earlier ruling by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals that found the anti-camping ordinance violated the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment.
California is home to half of the nation’s homeless population, but not all officials welcome the Grants Pass ruling.
I Researchers specializing in homelessnessI signed. Court brief filed by 57 social scientists In the Grants Pass case, we assisted the plaintiffs in suing on behalf of homeless people living in the city of Grants Pass, Oregon. In my view, the consequences of the court’s decision are both predictable and deeply worrying. Many U.S. cities are currently actively working on initiatives such as: clear homeless encampmentsIn many cases, they are unable to provide adequate shelter or support to those they evacuate.
Cities take action
In California, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order in July Illustrating this shift, it calls on cities to “humanely remove encampments from public spaces.” This approach prioritizes eliminating visible homelessness over addressing the systemic lack of housing options, which often leads to problems such as: forced movement As a result, unhoused people are more likely to be arrested and more likely to experience instability and trauma.
Newsom’s order opens the door to further punitive actions across the state. The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors is considering amending local camping ordinances that would prohibit sleeping for more than 60 minutes in tents, sleeping bags or vehicles, and prohibit sleeping within 300 feet of a public place. Where have you been sleeping for the past 24 hours?.
The city of Fresno recently banned public camping anytime and anywhere, regardless of whether shelter is available. The new law prohibits sleeping or camping at entrances to public or private property along public sidewalks.
It also prohibits sitting, lying, sleeping, or camping in “sensitive use” facilities such as schools, child care facilities, parks, libraries, government buildings, warming and cooling centers, and existing homeless shelters. It is also prohibited to do so. Violations will be subject to the following penalties: one year in prison, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
Other jurisdictions are following California’s lead. Grand Rapids, Michigan, has enacted a new law that criminalizes activities related to homelessness. Wandering around or storing personal belongings. Illinois government lobbying group Created a model proposal for banning camping It imposes fines for first offenses and harsher penalties for repeat offenses, including possible prison terms. Several cities in Illinois have adopted this ordinance.
Nearly 30 new state laws took effect in Florida on October 1, including regulations limiting where homeless people can sleep. #eliminatehomelessness https://t.co/0GP3wrtCwp
— National Homeless Coalition (@NationalHomeles) September 24, 2024
Ironically, Oregon law prevents Grants Pass from removing homeless encampments. Established in 2021. The measure will allow local authorities to impose restrictions on sleeping on public property, including when, where and how, as long as they are “objectively reasonable”. Local communities are requested to consider local ordinances from the following perspectives: Shelter services available and public spaces.
This approach balances public concerns with the needs of homeless people and discourages the kind of punitive measures that Supreme Court decisions currently authorize elsewhere.
Housing first approach
Many Americans are frustrated by the homelessness crisis. In their view, cities have made little progress on this issue. Despite heavy investment.
But research overwhelmingly shows that it criminalizes homelessness. perpetuate the problem. It creates a cycle of arrest, imprisonment, and release. address the root causeeconomic inequality, inadequate mental health and addiction services, lack of affordable housing, and more. People without a home are at risk of early death This may be due to violent injury, drug abuse, or a preventable disease.
In my view, it’s supportive housing first The approach is more effective than a punitive ban. Housing First is a strategy that quickly provides permanent housing to people experiencing homelessness without the need for housing. Sober, employed, or undergoing treatment for a mental health disorder.
This approach recognizes that stable housing is a fundamental human right and a foundation for addressing other challenges that homeless people often face. Meeting immediate housing needs can help people recover from the stress of homelessness and lead to better long-term outcomes. Research shows that the Housing First program more effective and cost effective Rather than requiring treatment for issues such as addiction as a condition of housing.
Critics argue that Housing First’s costs are high and that providing housing without mandatory support services leads to an inefficient use of funds. Several studies have highlighted the following challenges: Ensuring services tailored to individual needs. Another critique calls Housing First a “one-size-fits-all” solution. May not be able to adequately address the diverse needs of the homeless population.
Rental access and support
In 2024, the federal government distributed $3.16 billion to communities across the country through the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Continuing care programthe largest investment in U.S. history to end homelessness.
This HUD program provides funding and support to local communities to coordinate efforts aimed at ending homelessness. Rapid housing and support services for homeless people. This is a crisis response strategy designed to minimize the trauma associated with living on the streets. move people into housing as quickly as possible.
To have a deep and lasting impact on this problem, we need to scale up proven solutions like rental assistance and access to affordable rental housing. A study published by HUD in 2016 found that providing permanent housing subsidies to homeless families: Housing selection couponwas the most effective method Ensuring long-term housing stability.
Housing Choice Vouchers cover the majority of a family’s rent, so families end up paying about 30% of their income towards housing costs. There is no deadline as long as participants follow the program rules. HUD research shows that compared to other short-term programs, this approach improves participants’ mental health, stabilizes families, supports child development, and reduces participants’ likelihood of becoming homeless again. It turned out to be possible.
Homeless camps raise legitimate public concerns about the health and safety, including the well-being, of those living in the camps. But removing them or banning public camping will not solve homelessness. In my opinion, providing permanent housing subsidies, expanding access to affordable housing, and implementing a Housing First approach combined with support services is a more effective and humane approach. .
