Johnson v. Grants Pass sets a dangerous precedent
Community Solutions, Inc.
We deploy innovative problem-solving tools towards creating a lasting end to homelessness that leaves no one behind.
Today, Rosanne Haggerty, President and Chief Executive Officer of nonprofit Community Solutions, issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to rule in favor of the City of Grants Pass in Grants Pass v. Johnson, a case which determined whether it’s unconstitutional for cities to arrest or ticket people for sleeping outside.
“The Supreme Court’s decision is deeply disappointing. Arresting or fining people for experiencing homelessness is cruel — and it won’t solve the problem.”
“Countless studies show we can’t police homelessness out of existence. But there are proven solutions to homelessness. It takes a community-wide effort to make sure that every person experiencing homelessness is accounted for and cared for.”
“We’ve seen that communities can reduce homelessness when they set a clear goal and hold themselves accountable for meeting it. Gathering by-name data on every person experiencing homelessness helps communities accurately identify their needs and provide the right services.”
“This data helps cities make strategic investments in housing and services and allows them to track their progress to see if these interventions are working.”
“Cities like Houston, Cincinnati, and Denver have successfully reduced homelessness using these methods.”
“Leaders have a choice. The law now allows them to punish people for experiencing homelessness, but this won’t solve the problem. Cities can make a different choice. By choosing proven solutions to homelessness, together we can create communities where everyone has a home.”
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Principal, Policy and Advocacy at Community Solutions, Inc. #HomelessnessIsSolvable
3wWell said Rosanne Haggerty. Thank you for your leadership, for building an amazing team, and investing in proven solutions. #HomelessnessIsSolvable We are here to fight forward for a better America in which homelessness is rare and brief. Rachelle Matthews, MBA Chan Kemper, Esq.
President/CEO at Mid Maine Homeless Shelter & Services | Lecturer at The Roux Institute @ Northeastern University
4wIt doesn't set a dangerous precedent. In fact, it didn't set any precedent other than to confirm the status quo. SCOTUS refused to extend the law in a new and novel way. So that case gained us nothing, but it didn't set anything back, either. I don't know why we keep saying this. And actually, this case was a huge distraction because the outcome was predictable. This particular 8A challenge was never going to succeed with an originialist Court. Other challenges might have more luck (4A and 14A). And state courts are now front and center. But enough of the doom. Outside of the 9th Circuit, literally nothing has changed.
Senior Vice President & Senior Banker, Community Development Lending & Investing at KeyBank
1moDownward cycle of poverty reinforces trauma
Principal at S3-Solis Strategic Solutions S3advisoryservices.com
1moData to provide tailored services and more homes is the answer to solving our homelessness crisis. Another tragic injustice when the court had the opportunity to do the right thing.
Executive Director at Laurel House
1moHeartbreaking! But, sadly, not surprising.