January 1, 1970
We have an urgent update on the Johnson v Grants Pass Supreme Court case. Unfortunately–despite the outcries of thousands of advocates, survivors, and homeless plaintiffs–this morning the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that people experiencing homelessness are not included in the Constitution’s protections against cruel and unusual punishment and has sided in favor of an Oregon city’s ban on camping in public spaces.
This ruling undermines the right to housing and excuses the failures of the public systems that cause homelessness. Instead, it allows ordinances to take punitive measures against the people who are committing no crime other than just trying to survive a night on the street.
We are deeply disappointed in the Supreme Court’s ruling today in favor of policies that criminalize homelessness. This decision has far-reaching consequences but does not change what we already know: fines and jailtime will never solve homelessness. Only supportive housing can end homelessness. Criminalization and forced displacement only compound the many challenges that people experiencing homelessness face to obtain housing—trapping people in the violent cycle of homelessness.
While this ruling is devastating and could lead to increased displacement, trauma, and confusion for people forced to live on the streets, it is important to note that this ruling does not mandate cities and states to arrest people who are surviving in public spaces. As we continue to work to achieve justice and amplify our client’s voices—We will continue our advocacy to steer decisionmakers towards evidence-based solutions and resources for ending homelessness such as supportive services, accessible health care, and affordable housing.
What does this mean for our clients?
- Potential for increased forced displacement, trauma, and confusion
- Increased fear and uncertainty
- Lack of clarity on pending lawsuit against the City of Albuquerque on encampments (see more information here)
- Real negative impacts on health and mortality
What does this mean for AHCH and what are we doing?
- Our integrated health outreach is even more critical to reaching people
- We will continue to advocate for evidence-based solutions that we know work—housing, voluntary supportive services, and access to health care, income and public benefits
- We are communicating with media and our elected officials and working with our national partners on advocacy at all levels of government
- Centering client experience and people with lived experience in advocacy
- It is even more important for AHCH to bear witness to what we see and use information to influence constructive public policy and decision making
What can you do?
- Learn more about AHCH’s services, impact, and Theories of Change
- Support organizations serving people experiencing homelessness like AHCH
- Contact your state legislators and city council members and let them know that criminalization of homelessness is not the answer.
- Sign up for a tour of AHCH and Get Involved
- And finally–be kind to each other. Homelessness can happen to anybody. We are all just human beings at the end of the day.
Statements from our national partners below. We will share more information as we have it, especially as this ruling pertains to the pending lawsuit against the City of Albuquerque.
- National Low Income Housing Coalition
- National Homelessness Law Center
- National Alliance to End Homelessness
Media coverage:
In solidarity,
All of us at Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless
