Last Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling in City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson, determining that the U.S. Constitution does not protect individuals from being penalized for sleeping outside when no shelter is available. This decision allows cities to continue or intensify measures like ticketing and arresting individuals experiencing homelessness, potentially diverting attention from housing-based solutions.
The implications of this ruling are significant. It could perpetuate the cycle of homelessness and create additional barriers for individuals seeking employment, housing, and government assistance. Penalizing those with no place to go further marginalizes vulnerable members of our community without addressing the root causes of homelessness.
At CASA, we are dedicated to providing affordable housing as a key solution to homelessness. Our mission is to address the critical shortage of affordable housing, a primary factor contributing to the growing number of individuals without stable shelter. By offering stable and affordable housing options, we help individuals and families break the cycle of homelessness and build a foundation for a better future.
This decision underscores the importance of our mission and the work that still needs to be done. CASA remains committed to advocating for sustainable solutions that address the root causes of homelessness and striving for a future where everyone has access to safe and stable housing. We will continue our efforts to ensure that affordable housing is available to all who need it, believing that everyone deserves a place to call home.
