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Homelessness is affecting more than half a million people daily in the United States. Studies have shown when a person has stable housing, they are more likely to engage in the community, receive health care services, and find a job.

The U.S. Supreme Court heard a case on April 22, 2024, Grants Pass Oregon v. Gloria Johnson. At the heart of the case is whether a state can punish a person for suffering from homelessness. Punishments could include but are not limited to tickets, fines, and jail. Specifically in Grants Pass, Oregon, city officials could fine individuals $375 for sleeping outside, if a person cannot pay, the citation jumps to $540. One woman was fined more than $6,000 after she could no longer pay for her apartment (NBC Universal, 2024). The lower courts ruled that punishing those who have nowhere else to go violates the eighth amendment. The United States Constitution protects against imposing excessive bail, excessive fines, or cruel and unusual punishments.

The author advises this is a misguided approach, this method does not help reduce homelessness, but makes it harder for those who are experiencing homelessness (Oliva et al., 2024). Recommendations or alternatives include building new housing developments, and preserving the housing that is currently available. The state could support non-profits that are working to end homelessness. The article emphasis that those in power have a duty to appeal to congress to fund these initiatives. The funding required to build, and sustain housing is among the millions of dollars.

When I first heard about this court case a few months ago, I was disgusted that Oregon would approve fining individuals. Like kicking a dog when they are down. This person, this human being, does not have shelter, and must worry at all times about their meager possessions, and whilst we are at it, how about we give them a $540 fine that they have no means of paying, and no means of correcting the original issue.

NBCUniversal News Group. (n.d.). How a small city in Oregon could shape the way major U.S. cities handle homelessness. NBCNews.com. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/supreme-court-homelessness-grants-pass-rcna142977

Oliva, A., Yentel, D., & Bailey , P. (2024, April 22). Supreme Court case highlights need for leaders to address homelessness with humane, proven strategies. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. https://www.cbpp.org/press/statements/naeh-nlihc-cbpp-supreme-court-case-highlights-need-for-leaders-to-address