AAHD joins with the National Homelessness Law Center to oppose Supreme Court Decision, demand major federal funding to solve homelessness
Washington, D.C. — In a profoundly disappointing ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court today decided that it is constitutional to arrest or fine homeless individuals for sleeping in public spaces when no alternative shelter is available.
“Arresting or fining people for trying to survive is expensive, counterproductive, and cruel,” said Jesse Rabinowitz, campaign and communications director at the National Homelessness Law Center (NHLC). “This inhumane ruling, which contradicts the values of nearly three-quarters of Americans, will make homelessness worse in Grants Pass and nationwide. Cities are now even more empowered to neglect proven housing-based solutions and to arrest or fine those with no choice but to sleep outdoors. While we are disappointed, we are not surprised that this Supreme Court ruled against the interests of our poorest neighbors.”
“This Supreme Court decision will cause undue harm on people across this country, with disproportionate effect to the disability community. We are seeing growing rates of chronic homelessness at a time when affordable, accessible housing is out of reach for millions of people. What’s needed next is an intentional, good-faith effort to support housing for all to support healthy communities and combat the criminalization of being unhoused,” said Michelle Sayles, Communications Manager for AAHD. “Permanent supportive housing opportunities are a necessity for people with disabilities to achieve health equity.”
“Despite the setback, the National Homelessness Law Center finds strength in the compelling dissent by Justice Sotomayor, which aligns with our long-held belief that no one should be punished for sleeping outside, especially when they have no other options. While we are enraged, we are now even more committed to ensuring that everybody has a safe place to call home,” added Rabinowitz.
In response to the Supreme Court’s decision, the National Homelessness Law Center calls on the Biden administration and Congress to invest at least $356 billion in the next year with continued funding in future years to ensure that everybody has safe, decent housing that they can afford.
Specifically, we call for full funding of:
- Universal rental assistance for lowest-income households
- Public housing repair and preservation
- National Housing Trust Fund
- Eviction and homelessness prevention
- Voluntary supportive and emergency services
AAHD joins with the National Homelessness Law Center in extending gratitude to the thousands of nationwide advocates who mobilized around this landmark case and signed the 42 amicus briefs in support of homeless rights. Despite this Supreme Court ruling, we know that housing, not handcuffs, solves homelessness.
Read the AAHD Statement about the disproportionate impact of this case on the disability community.
About the American Association on Health and Disability
AAHD is dedicated to ensuring health equity for children and adults with disabilities through policy, research, education, and dissemination at the federal, state and community level. AAHD strives to advance health promotion and wellness initiatives for people with disabilities. AAHD’s goals are to reduce health disparities between people with disabilities and the general population, and to support full community inclusion and accessibility.
About the National Homelessness Law Center
The National Homelessness Law Center is committed to protecting the rights of unhoused people across the United States and to advocating for policies that prevent and end homelessness, ensuring that all people have access to safe and adequate housing.