On June 28th 2024, the Supreme Court ruled in City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson that individuals experiencing homelessness can be arrested for sleeping in public spaces, even when no other shelter options are locally accessible. Across the country, this decision means that unhoused neighbors may face punishment simply because they don’t have a safe place to sleep at night.

We’re deeply concerned about what this means for so many unhoused people in different parts of the country. And at the same time, we’re grateful to be here in a community that knows that arrests and fines do not solve homelessness. Wherever housing is scarce and expensive, homelessness increases. Here in our community, our team sees first hand the increasing strains on so many of our neighbors, and recognizes just how urgently more housing options are needed. 

Jessica Pressley, Program Manager, Housing Access, reflects on the decision made by the Supreme Court:

“Our team is deeply saddened by the ruling made by the Supreme Court. We recognize that criminalization only perpetuates homelessness and it systematically can limit our unhoused neighbors' access to services, housing, and jobs, while damaging their health, safety, and well-being.  According to research, it can cost a community three times more to enforce anti-homeless laws than to find housing for people who don’t have it.   We will continue to educate on the complexities of homelessness and advocate for our neighbors, right here in Ottawa County and the City of Holland, who have so few options for housing in a market with such limited stock. Homelessness is a housing issue! Our work will continue and for our neighbors working to find sustainable housing. We will continue to bring forward the need for long term sustainable solutions to ending and preventing homelessness.”

We are more committed than ever to co-creating effective solutions to ensure that all of our neighbors can thrive. Everyone deserves a safe home, good food, and the opportunity to build a strong foundation for their family. And everyone needs a community that believes in them - their worth, their dignity, and their potential.

We’re grateful for partners in our community who know that housing availability and human-centered services are critical factors in addressing homelessness. Every person has inherent worth - this truth lies at the heart of all of our collaborative efforts, and drives our partners and our team to find a better way, together. If you’d like to learn more, read our Outreach team’s work at communtiyactionhouse.org/outreach or read about the Supreme Court decision from the National Alliance to End Homelessness.