Criminalizing People Experiencing Homelessness Is Not the Answer

We at Community of Hope are heartbroken today that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Grants Pass, Oregon in its case against Gloria Johnson (2024). The court found that local governments have the right to prohibit people from sleeping outside, and fine them for doing so, even when they have nowhere else to sleep and there is no available shelter. Simply put, the Supreme Court has decided that people can be punished because they cannot afford a place to live. It is cruel, inhumane, and strongly counter-productive to finding solutions to homelessness.  

At Community of Hope, we know there are proven solutions to homelessness – solutions that leaders in Washington, DC have historically invested in: financial assistance and support to prevent homelessness; access to shelter in times of crisis; investment in affordable housing; outreach and supportive services; healthcare and mental health services; and access to services to help people increase their income and support their vocational and employment goals. We are proud to have helped prevent and end homelessness for over 1,700 households in 2023. And yet, homelessness is increasing again in DC, and we are worried that this ruling might make homelessness a problem that will more likely be pushed back and forth between jurisdictions. 

As we work together to advance solutions, we must recognize that everyone has difficult moments in life – whether due to bad luck, health issues, trauma, or an unfortunate choice. For some people, these moments can lead to homelessness, making everything worse and leading to further trauma and challenges.  We invite you to see these neighbors as the people they are, and respond with humane, rational, and solutions-focused approaches to homelessness. 

We remain committed to advocating for and providing the best strategies to reduce and end homelessness.  We will continue to center the needs and voices of individuals and families with lived experience in our work while ensuring that all people, no matter their circumstance, are treated with dignity and respect.   

ICYMI: Last month we published a list of recommendations about how you can respond with love and compassion (and a willingness to learn and advocate) when you meet someone experiencing homelessness.