Recreational Vehicle parking in the City of Bellingham has increased. Neighborhood and business complaints have resulted in tow, impound, and scrapping illegally parked vehicles under the title "Hulk". Controversy arises when property that is used for sheltering someone who is unhoused is confiscated by local law enforcement. A person's property is protected by the Constitution even when afflicted by homelessness.
The Homestead Act provides a legal premise for persons residing in vehicles or "car camping". Under constitutional right of the 8th amendment, a penalty is considered "cruel and unusual punishment" when an act is not intended criminality, and circumstances are more complex and difficult to adhere to the law, such as housing displacement and economic hardship.
Public access points are shared spaces with guidelines for use. Often, these public spaces are utilized as a last resort by people who are unable to relocate to an affordable housing option. Using the personal asset of a vehicle to provide shelter is recognized by law as a mobile homestead. Parking restrictions and lack of affordable paid parking can complicate matters for people in housing transition living in their vehicle. Public nuisance laws compound the strain of enduring homelessness when safe affordable options are not available.
Please listen to this Podcast and READ attached New Yorker article.