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06.28.2024
Today’s distressing Supreme Court decision is not only misguided, but inherently cruel. Homelessness is not a crime, period. The court’s ruling will undoubtedly lead to more unnecessary and dangerous interactions between law enforcement and the nation’s over 250,000 individuals who are forced to sleep outside because there are no other options. This decision fails to address the mounting crises contributing to the growing number of vulnerable people living on the streets such as our severe shortage of affordable housing, insufficient community based behavioral health supports and limited employment options. It is now more important than ever that state and city leaders adopt policies that treat homelessness as a policy failure, not an individual one. All people experiencing homelessness deserve respect and dignity – starting with the expansion of peer-led response to mental health incidents – and accelerate efforts to develop affordable and supportive units that are so desperately needed.