In April, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear a major case that could reshape how cities manage homelessness. The legal issue is whether they can fine or arrest people for sleeping outside if there’s no shelter available. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has deemed this cruel and unusual punishment, and this case is a pivotal challenge to that ruling.
The high court declined to take up a similar case in 2019. But since then, homelessness rates have climbed relentlessly. Street encampments have grown larger and have expanded to new places, igniting intense backlash from residents and businesses. Homelessness and the lack of affordable housing that’s helping to drive it have become key issues for many voters.
The case, Grants Pass v. Johnson, could have dramatic implications for the record number of people living in tents and cars across the United States.
Because this is 'Murica, the land where logic, reason, decency, and compassion go to die. We’ll spare no expense to save money then write it all of as the cost of doing business. Fixing the problem isn’t nearly so attractive as just criminalizing anyone that isn’t helping our corporate overlords to turn a profit. Find a way to monetize the unhoused, make them a product of some kind (looking at you Soylent Green) and communities will be only to happy to welcome them in.
As the late philosopher Carlin said, “we don’t have time for rational solutions”