Alliance for Justice’s Post

The Supreme Court will soon reach a decision in the #JohnsonVGrantsPass case, which will answer the pivotal question of whether all people in America are truly protected by the Constitution. This case holds profound implications for the rights and dignity of our most vulnerable citizens, particularly those experiencing homelessness. We cannot treat the most vulnerable among us as disposable. It is imperative that we recognize and uphold the humanity and rights of every individual. The only proven solutions to homelessness are providing people with housing and services. Criminalizing homelessness only exacerbates the issue and undermines the fabric of our communities. We stand firmly in support of #HousingNotHandcuffs. We believe in creating compassionate, sustainable solutions that address the root causes of homelessness and provide real opportunities for stability and growth. Let's advocate for justice, dignity, and housing for all. Together, we can build a society that values and protects every person. #AffordableHousing #SupremeCourt #ConstitutionalRights #HomelessnessSolutions #CommunityFirst #JusticeForAll

The reality is cultural attitudes toward impoverished people – fueled by toxic portrayals, fear mongering in the media and systematic dehumanization – have made homelessness not a community problem to be solved, but an individual offense to be punished, and defines those who suffer this condition as enemies to the idyllic peace of ‘good (read: housed and well-fed) people’. Concerns about encampments and other sites where unhoused people make shelter are generally rooted in public safety, i.e unhealthy conditions that may arise in encampment communities, potential for localized crime, and the impact of these conditions on the surrounding community. But instead of solutions, towns and cities advance anti-camping and public-space ordinances that overwhelmingly punish people who have nowhere to go. The public safety argument positions the rights of homeless folks against the obligation of officials to protect housed people from homeless folks.

Johnson v. Grants Pass is the most important Supreme Court case about homelessness in 40 years and could determine whether the United States will be a country that punishes people for experiencing homelessness. Regardless of how the Supreme Court rules, this case amplifies the need for evidence-based, permanent solutions to end homelessness. Learn more, including how you can take action: https://rebrand.ly/9k7gvg4

JAILING PEOPLE FOR HAVING NO PLACE TO GO IS CRUEL AND COUNTERPRODUCTIVE. SCOTUS's Johnson v. Grants Pass ruling to allow laws targeting homelessness with criminal penalties elevates the need for DESC’s long-term solutions, Housing First and Permanent Supportive Housing. The perspectives we shared in an April post drew on our long experience and evidence to show that people will accept something better for themselves if it meets their needs. Read more on our website: https://lnkd.in/gfY4bevS #JohnsonVGrantsPass

In our fight against homelessness we must consider systemic issues, like outdated criminal justice policies, inefficiencies within government agencies, the limitations of the housing first model, the scarcity of affordable housing, and the misallocation of government funds. All these areas are critical!!!!

The League of California Cities provides an important update on a Supreme Court case that could impact how California cities respond to homelessness. Learn more at #PublicCEO hbit.ly/3u9Nx4O

This is important

There are various types of public spaces, with different characteristics, existing in the built environment. When talking about these spaces, people often treat them as one type of spaces. Therefore, the differences between them cannot be distinguished and issues related to a particular type of spaces cannot be easily resolved. People also use the similar approach when facing issues related to “unhoused” people. There are different life circumstances causing people to become unhoused. Treating them altogether in one group and having the same ways to lift or criminalize them is not the correct approach.

They say any person with a grievance can find remedy in the law. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Illinois criminal trespass to real property 720 ILCS 5/21-3) (from Ch. 38, par. 21-3) (d) A person shall be exempt from prosecution under this Section if he or she beautifies unoccupied and abandoned residential and industrial properties located within any municipality. For the purpose of this subsection, "unoccupied and abandoned residential and industrial property" means any real estate (1) in which the taxes have not been paid for a period of at least 2 years; and (2) which has been left unoccupied and abandoned for a period of at least one year; and "beautifies" means to landscape, clean up litter, or to repair dilapidated conditions on or to board up windows and doors. prosecution /prŏs″ĭ-kyoo͞′shən/ noun 1. The act of prosecuting. 2. The institution and conduct of a legal proceeding The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition Illinois Attorney Act (705 ILCS 205/11) (from Ch. 13, par. 11) Sec. 11. Plaintiffs shall have the liberty of prosecuting, and defendants of defending in their proper persons. **If you own vacant and neglected property and don’t act to repair and restore it to a habitable condition, eminent domain should apply because it is the best interest of the collective that your private property be taken for public use.

🛑 Criminalization of Homelessness: What's Happening? At Southern Legal Counsel, we actively challenge laws that criminalize basic human survival activities like sleeping or asking for help. Such laws disproportionately affect the most vulnerable, making it harder for them to access the support they need. 🔍 Why It Matters: - Criminalizing homelessness doesn’t solve the issue; it exacerbates it. - These laws cost more in enforcement and jailing than providing housing and services. - Everyone deserves to live with dignity and have access to basic needs. 👉 Learn more about our efforts and how you can get involved: southernlegal.org #HumanRights #SupportSLC #HousingNotHandcuffs