Supreme Court Faces Landmark Decision as Cities Nationwide Challenge Homelessness Policies

With the continued growth of the homeless population, numerous cities and states have switched sides to advocate for the rights of local residents and businesses contending with homeless encampments and the lack of affordable housing. Grants Pass, Oregon, filed an appeal of a 2020 district court ruling claiming its ordinances regulating homelessness qualify as unconstitutional.

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to review lower-court rulings that make it difficult for cities in the United States to prevent people from sleeping on the streets when there aren’t enough beds in homeless shelters. It's uncertain whether arguments will occur in the spring or fall. Cities like San Diego, Albuquerque, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Seattle have asked the U.S. Supreme Court for more authority to disassemble homeless encampments.

In an amicus brief supporting Grants Pass, those cities wrote, “The friction in many communities affected by homelessness is at a breaking point. … Despite massive infusions of public resources, businesses and residents are suffering the increasingly negative effects of long-term urban camping.”

A new Georgia law even steers residents from the “housing first” strategy and advocates for wrap-around services like help with mental health issues, substance use, or job placement, in addition to temporary or permanent housing provisions. Both legislator and critic cite the high percentage of people experiencing homelessness that display those problems, and therefore do not succeed with a housing first approach.

The 300+ organizations in Citygate Network membership seek to move people in desperate situations and destitute conditions (i.e., hungry, homeless, abused, and addicted) from human suffering to human flourishing through the process of gospel-powered life transformation. If you or someone you love is in need of Christ-centered compassion and care, please visit our member locator page today to find a mission near you.

The 300+ organizations in Citygate Network membership seek to move people in desperate situations and destitute conditions (i.e., hungry, homeless, abused, and addicted) from human suffering to human flourishing through the process of gospel-powered life transformation. If you or someone you love is in need of Christ-centered compassion and care, please visit our member locator page today to find a mission near you.