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.

  • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    6
    arrow-down
    5
    ·
    8 months ago

    Would you respect yourself or your environment when you’ve been ground into the dirt? No one respects them, why should they respect anyone or anything? I don’t blame them at all.

    Instead of being upset about their presence, maybe do something to help them? Like try to get your town or city to house them?

    • 𝓒𝓸𝓼𝓶𝓸𝓬𝓻𝓪𝓽@lemmy.dbzer0.com
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      3
      arrow-down
      2
      ·
      8 months ago

      I have a basic respect for the environment that everyone should have by default, regardless of their financial status. And I would do everything in my power to keep it reasonably clean if I was in a similar situation.

      If the dirt is all I have, then I would find something to grow in it. Not a pile of sharps.

      • fiercekitten@lemm.ee
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        3
        arrow-down
        1
        ·
        8 months ago

        I understand what you’re saying, i just want to point out that drug addiction is a healthcare issue, not a personal or moral failing. Is it frustrating to see public areas being trashed? Sure, but it’s way more frustrating that the US federal government won’t address the homeless crisis and drug addiction with the respect, funding, and urgency it deserves.

      • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        3
        arrow-down
        4
        ·
        8 months ago

        I have a basic respect for the environment that everyone should have by default

        Very easy thing to say when you haven’t been completely crushed under the thumb of the system so badly that you can’t afford to rent a hovel even though you have a job.

        And I would do everything in my power to keep it reasonably clean if I was in a similar situation.

        How close to that situation have you ever been? Are you anywhere near close to that situation right now? It sounds like you can afford a home to live in whether you own or rent, so I’m guessing you aren’t.

        If the dirt is all I have, then I would find something to grow in it.

        Vacant lots and undersides of bridges are well-known as being excellent spots for growing vegetables and fruits.

        As far as them doing drugs? Perfectly justifiable for them to want to do the one thing they’re able to do to either escape the situation they’re in or get pain relief they can’t get otherwise because they can’t afford pain medication or a prescription for it in a for-profit healthcare system either. I sure as fuck would do the same thing in their situation.

        Let me guess, you also don’t like it that they shit and piss in public but expect them to provide their own toilets.