By Rachel Lampert
Conflict of crime within unhoused individuals has been circulating for several years. In Grants Pass v. Johnson case displaced individuals who are unhoused in an unfortunate situation. Specifically within the areas of allowing crime to be an occurrence without security. California State Governor Gavin Newsom has wanted any type of housing that could be deemed to be dangerous to be taken down immediately. Mayor London Breed from the San Fransico Bay Area said she will make those changes too which could be followed by charging individuals.
Shelterforce– Roshan Abraham says. “Other local governments across the U.S. have also introduced or passed camping bans that seem to have been motivated by the court’s decision. In Minnesota, several towns have introduced camping bans that can now be enacted without significant legal challenge. Portland, Oregon, began a long-planned sweeping citywide camping ban on July 22. And Des Moines, Iowa, passed a camping ban that includes a $50 fine.” This means that those who are causing what could be defined as a disturbance or nuance to people will be up against legal action and face these consequences.
Organizations that are providing support to unhoused populations have come up with different solutions. For those, this means a way to deal with those who need more assistance to feel secure and safe. Previously unhoused, Donald Whitehead Jr., Executive Director of the National Coalition for the Homeless says. “I believe that homelessness—and I’ve had this conversation with Martin Luther King III—is the unfinished business of the civil rights movement, and I hope that we’ll finish the job.” Whitehead aspires to bring positivity to communities from all over and hopes of those who do not have to face homelessness any longer by solving as well as tackling issues in real-time.
References:
Abraham, R. (2024, August 8). The fight continues against criminalization of homelessness. Shelterforce. https://shelterforce.org/2024/08/08/the-fight-continues-against-criminalization-of-homelessness/
City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, 603 U.S. 520 (2024). https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/23pdf/23-175_19m2.pdf
Office of Governor Gavin Newsom. (2024, July 25). Governor Newsom orders state agencies to address encampments in their communities with urgency and dignity. State of California. https://www.gov.ca.gov/2024/07/25/governor-newsom-orders-state-agencies-to-address-encampments-in-their-communities-with-urgency-and-dignity/