Although unnoticed by many, homelessness continues to increase causing a nationwide epidemic in the United States. On a single night in January of 2022, the annual Point In Time (PIT) count measured accounted for about 582,462 individuals enduring homelessness nationally. Out of those individuals it is estimated that about 40.1% were experiencing unsheltered homelessness. It is suspected that homelessness has only continued to increase since data was last presented. There is an overwhelming number of people who are experiencing an active crisis and do not have their basic needs met. 

        As if going without shelter wasn't already grueling enough, recent developments with the City of Grant Pass, Oregon v. Gloria Johnson has further perplexed the issue of homelessness. On June 28, 2024 the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the City of Grant Pass, essentially criminalizing homelessness. This ruling allows local entities to punish those sleeping in public spaces such as parks or streets. Punishments include arresting, fining, and providing citations to those living in encampments. This impacts people experiencing unsheltered homelessness on a national level and puts them at further risk of victimization. Not only do these individuals already have nowhere else to go, but now they may be obtaining a criminal background and jail time for simply experiencing a housing crisis. The barriers to housing are already overwhelming, with this ruling only increasing them. Individuals experiencing homelessness will not have a more difficult time finding a job, obtaining housing, and will have increased debt. People experiencing homelessness cannot just find housing overnight in order to avoid legal trouble. Where else are they supposed to go since shelters do not hold nearly enough capacity for the homeless population? The supreme court ruling is not a solution to homelessness and will only increase hardship faced by those who are unsheltered. 

 

 

 

 

One effective strategy to address homelessness and enhance social justice and quality of life is the implementation of Housing First programs. Housing First is an approach that prioritizes providing permanent housing to people experiencing homelessness, without preconditions such as sobriety or employment. This approach is grounded in the belief that stable housing is a fundamental human right and provides a foundation from which individuals can address other issues.

Providing Permanent Housing: The first step in the Housing First approach is to offer immediate access to permanent housing. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, studies have shown that Housing First programs have high success rates in keeping people housed. For instance, a study in the American Journal of Public Health (2011) found that 80% of individuals placed in Housing First programs remained housed after one year.

Offering Support Services: Once individuals are housed, comprehensive support services are provided to help them maintain their housing and improve their quality of life. These services include mental health care, substance abuse treatment, job training, and life skills education. The theoretical basis for this approach is Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, which posits that basic needs such as shelter must be met before individuals can focus on higher-level goals like employment and personal development.

Reducing Costs: Housing First not only benefits individuals but also reduces costs for communities. A study by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) found that Housing First programs save money by reducing the use of emergency services, hospitals, and jails. On average, the study found that providing housing and supportive services to a homeless individual saved taxpayers $6,000 per person per year.

Promoting Social Justice: Addressing homelessness through Housing First also promotes social justice by ensuring that everyone has access to safe and stable housing, regardless of their circumstances. This approach aligns with the principles of social justice, which emphasize fairness, equality, and the right to a decent standard of living.

 

By signing this petition, you are supporting a proven strategy that not only addresses homelessness but also enhances social justice and quality of life for all members of our community. Together, we can make a significant impact and ensure that everyone has a place to call home. With enough signatures, there is a hope that awareness and attention is brought to the criminalization of homelessness. With enough attention to this issue, previous rulings could potentially be reversed and the rights of those experiencing homelessness could be prioritized. 

It is disheartening to witness individuals resorting to the streets for shelter, only to be met with tickets or jail time. This approach not only fails to address the root causes of homelessness but also exacerbates the struggles faced by those who are already vulnerable.   

Homelessness is a complex and universal problem that cannot be solved overnight. However, meaningful changes can be initiated through collective action and compassionate policymaking. One significant step we can take is to support petitions that advocate for the decriminalization of homelessness. By doing so, we send a clear message that we value human dignity and believe in providing resources rather than punishment.

Criminalizing homelessness places an undue burden on individuals who are already dealing with mental and physical challenges. It prolongs a cycle of instability, making it even more difficult for people to obtain stable housing and achieve self-sufficiency. Instead of punitive measures, we must prioritize providing access to proper care, support services, and affordable housing options.

If you sign this petition, you are contributing to a vital movement aimed at stopping the criminalization of homelessness. Your support can help redirect efforts towards offering the necessary resources and opportunities for those in need. Together, you can create a community that is not only free of encampments but also one that upholds the well-being and potential of all its members. Let us stand in solidarity with our homeless neighbors and advocate for the compassionate, effective solutions they deserve.

 

References 

State of Homelessness: 2023 edition. National Alliance to End Homelessness. (2024, January 6). https://endhomelessness.org/homelessness-in-america/homelessness-statistics/state-of-homelessness/ 

National Alliance to End Homelessness: They provide comprehensive data and studies on the effectiveness of Housing First programs.

 American Journal of Public Health (2011): This journal published a study showing that 80% of individuals placed in Housing First programs remained housed after one year.

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA): Their study found that Housing First programs save money by reducing the use of emergency services, hospitals, and jails.