In Response to the Grants Pass v. Johnson Decision
The Supreme Court’s ruling in City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson, is deeply upsetting. It will allow local governments to arrest people experiencing homelessness for sleeping outside even when no other shelter exists. I continue to be dismayed by the criminalization of homelessness and poverty, especially when we are seeing the affordable housing and homelessness crisis worsen in communities across Pennsylvania and the country. However – this only deepens the resolve of the Housing Alliance to elevate and educate communities on the proven solutions that prevent and end homelessness. Solutions like Housing First, low-barrier emergency shelter, individualized person-driven support services, and homelessness prevention through preventing evictions are working. It deepens our resolve to advocate for the tools and resources for communities to successfully solve homelessness with care and compassion. And it deepens our resolve to hold our elected leaders responsible for investing in more affordable housing and protecting the rights and dignity of our most vulnerable neighbors. The Housing Alliance will continue to advocate for the right of all Pennsylvanians, regardless of income, to have a safe, decent, affordable place to call home. We will hold ourselves to a higher standard and make sure our message of solutions is always louder than any call for criminalization. Sincerely,  Phyllis Chamberlain Executive Director |