Pine Street Inn’s Post

This is a significant change in public safety enforcement, particularly concerning issues like public property, homelessness. A more aggressive approach in removing homeless individuals from public property will force them to go elsewhere. The shift will lead individuals towards private sector and business properties more frequently, presenting challenges in removal as many are resistant to services. While a positive step, much work lies ahead. The demand for professional private sector security response services has never been more crucial to navigate these evolving dynamics. https://lnkd.in/gJheaue4 #PublicSafety #SecurityServices #Homelessness #PrivateSector

alifornia to Remove Homeless Encampments Following Court Ruling Following a Supreme Court ruling, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order on July 25 directing state agencies to clear homeless encampments in California. The ruling allows local governments to enforce laws against illegal camping and homelessness. Newsom emphasized the need for urgent action to address dangerous encampments while supporting those affected. He urged local governments to implement similar policies, stressing the importance of collective action. The executive order addresses previous legal challenges, including a Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision that blocked local authorities from removing encampments. The Supreme Court’s recent ruling overturned this, enabling enforcement. State agencies are instructed to assess encampments and prioritize those posing immediate threats for removal. Notices will be posted 48 hours before clearing other encampments, and outreach services will be provided. Personal items will be stored for 60 days. Newsom encouraged local governments to use available resources to address the crisis effectively.

Here's another take on this important case that may effect many code divisions specifically those that assist with public spaces. The Supreme Court’s recent ruling allows cities like Grants Pass, Oregon, to enforce laws banning homeless encampments on public property. This decision overrules a lower court that had found such bans to be unconstitutional if no shelter beds were available. Grants Pass, a town of about 40,000, had enforced ordinances against sleeping in public spaces, leading to fines and potential jail time for homeless individuals. The town has faced issues with tents and camps in public parks, a concern for residents and local businesses reliant on tourism . The ruling will affect cities across the West by providing legal backing to enforce similar bans, potentially leading to increased penalization of homeless individuals. Critics, including dissenting Supreme Court justices, argue this approach criminalizes homelessness and fails to address its root causes, such as the lack of affordable housing and mental health services. They warn it could leave vulnerable populations with fewer protections and exacerbate the visibility of homelessness in public spaces.

According to Opportunity Port program data, the second-most cited reason for folks applying to seal/expunge criminal convictions is housing. Are you a landlord? Property Manager? Property Owner? Real estate investor? Realtor? Do you have biases against people with criminal records? Have you ever considered the possibility that your bias is perpetuating harm? In addition to the importance of legal mechanisms to lessen the extra-legal/collateral consequences of a criminal record, we need a culture shift and to shift our mindsets about PEOPLE with criminal records. People deserve to be housed. People cannot thrive without a safe place to live. People with criminal records are PEOPLE.

I urge you to take a moment and read this article. My hope is that it’ll open up dialogue within the homeless services sector for solutions, and for those outside of the homeless services sector my hope is that it sheds light on current issues that we are working to solve. Homelessness is a complex issue. It requires collaboration across multiple systems. The sooner we admit that and work towards building more avenues for solutions, the sooner we can address the broken system we are forced to live and operate in.

The Supreme Court recently heard arguments in #GrantsPassVJohnson, the most important case impacting homelessness of the past 40 years. The case will determine whether arresting, fining, ticketing, or otherwise punishing people for sleeping outdoors on public property when they have nowhere else to go violates the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits excessive bail, fines, and cruel and unusual punishments. Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness. Many survivors flee their homes to escape violence. But safe, affordable housing is extremely limited, often forcing them to make impossible choices between sleeping outside or suffering continued violence. Housing is safety for survivors. We all deserve a safe place to live. Learn more: https://loom.ly/srNqCpc #DomesticViolence #EndDV #SupportSurvivors #DVHousing

The King's Speech at the State Opening of Parliament mentioned housing-related matters impacting housing associations. The Renters (Reform) Bill - focusing on private rented homes' security and regulation - affects housing associations through changes in assured tenancies. Missing from the speech though were commitments to build more affordable homes and specific measures on homelessness. To read more: https://bit.ly/3T8LzMd #KingsSpeech2023 #HousingAssociations #RentersReformBill #UKHousingPolicy

Mr. Richter's words shed light on a significant social issue - homelessness. High rent and a lack of housing stock are the main culprits, but let's not forget about the lack of opportunities, access to drugs, and lack of services and support that contribute to this problem. A coordinated approach from all levels of government is necessary to combat this issue. Let's work together towards a solution. #homelessness #socialissues #governmentcoordination

In Johnson v. Grants Pass, SCOTUS will decide if cities can ticket or arrest people for sleeping outside with no other options. Criminalizing homelessness is not the answer. It's time for better solutions like affordable housing & supportive services. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/ebgrYn66 #JohnsonVGrantsPass

We’re speaking out against a proposed UK Government law to criminalise street homelessness. If passed, people in Wales and England could be fined £2,500 or put in prison for sleeping rough - or even looking like they might. Together with Crisis, CIH Cymru, Cymorth Cymru, Llamau, The Salvation Army UK and Ireland Territory, Tai Pawb and The Wallich, we've written to the Senedd to share our concerns. Let your Westminster MP know you stand with us against this cruel law: bit.ly/43jodXn We know ending homelessness is possible, but proposals to criminalise people sleeping rough will only make this harder. Instead we need to invest in solutions like providing access to affordable housing and support services, underpinned by a legal right to adequate housing.