SUPREME COURT TO DEAL WITH HOMELESS CRISIS

SUPREME COURT TO HEAR HOMELESS CRISIS

By: Derek Varsalona

Today, Monday, April 22, 2024, the US Supreme Court is going to hear at the state of homelessness in America and whether or not the government has the right to forcibly remove homeless people from public spaces and take down their encampments.  The question is can a city punish a homeless person for the fact that they are homeless?  Is ticketing street dwellers constitute an unreasonable search and seizure of their possession or does it pose a clear a d does it present danger to society? 

I do not think a city can punish a homeless person for being homeless.  The fact of the matter is that the cities but provide better services for the homeless people and the city should do a better job of highlighting services that the homeless can explore.  I personally think charities like the church and other religious institutions would do a better service for the homeless along with the private industry.  The government seems to be failing the homeless population at every turn.  

Some cities are ticketing street dwellers.  I personally feel that is a cruel and unusual punishment for people.  San Francisco and New York City have a major homeless problem.  Also, in my hometown of Gainesville, Virginia we have a panhandling problem.  The fact is that most people who are homeless have a mental illness or some sort that prevents them from keeping gainful employment.  The fact of the matter is that these people should not be punished for encampments and a mental challenge that is beyond their control.  As always comments accepted.

Supreme Court to hear Homeless encampments
Image: WGME.com
October 16, 2023
Portland, O.R.

Source: CNN.com “ Supreme Court to Debate Whether Cities can Punish People  Who are Homeless.” New York City: April 21, 2024.

https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/21/politics/supreme-court-debate-cities-punish-homeless/index.html