Some cities and states have passed and are proposing legislation that criminalizes homelessness. What does this mean and why is this happening?
Recently, we heard about the Supreme Court ruling and states passing and proposing legislation that will ultimately criminalize homelessness. Actions such as sleeping in a park, sitting in a public space, or pitching a tent could result in arrest and steep fines for our unhoused neighbors, despite a lack of shelter beds and accessible housing. We invite you to learn more about the devastating effects of such legislation and the overall impact on our unhoused neighbors. Below are some resources to assist in learning more.
Read:
- Supreme Court case: Can Cities Punish Unhoused People for Sleeping Outside?
- Criminalization of Homelessness
- What Communities Need to Know About the Criminalization of Homelessness
- Supreme Court Upholds Ban on Sleeping Outdoors in Homelessness Case
Watch:
- Supreme Court Allows Cities to Enforce Bans Targeting Homeless People Sleeping Outside
- Homeless ‘Right’ to Sleep in Public? U.S. Supreme Court Weighs In | About That
- U.S. Supreme Court Rules Cities Can Enforce Bans on Homeless People Sleeping Outside
- Divided Supreme Court Rules in Major Homelessness Case that Outdoor Sleeping Bans are OK