Jurisdictions across the U.S. are facing challenges in addressing the increasing issue of homelessness, particularly the unsheltered homeless population in public areas. Between 2022 and 2023, the U.S. saw a 12% increase in homelessness, including a 15% increase in major cities. Although some jurisdictions have leveraged evidence-based policy to achieve reductions in homelessness in recent years, more than 650,000 people nationwide are homeless each night — a quarter of them without shelter. This summer, the Supreme Court issued a decision that makes this problem worse, write three authors in an opinion piece for Governing. In its Grants Pass v. Johnson ruling, the court reopened the door for jurisdictions that wish to use criminalization, including measures such as encampment sweeps and increased enforcement of quality-of-life offenses, to address homelessness. In the past few months, San Francisco, Seattle and cities across Florida have implemented or adopted ordinances to enforce sleeping bans, while encampment raids have continued across the nation.
Criminalizing homelessness is not an effective or cost-efficient approach, both in terms of finances and public safety, the authors write. Homeless individuals often get stuck in a cycle of imprisonment and life on the streets, as minor offenses such as trespassing or sleeping in public frequently result in arrest. Formerly incarcerated individuals are also at a higher risk of becoming homeless, perpetuating this cycle. Short-term jail sentences can lead to job loss, separation from family, and increased chances of future arrests, while also diverting police resources from addressing violent crime. Financially, criminalizing homelessness is expensive, costing an estimated $83,000 per person each year, while providing housing and treatment is far more economical. In New York City, daily incarceration costs $1,414 compared to just $48 for supportive housing. Alternative programs that deploy social workers and mental health professionals to handle homelessness-related crises have proved successful. These programs reduce arrests and provide care that helps people secure stable housing, addressing the root causes of homelessness. In the long run, increasing the housing supply and ending harsh eviction policies are also crucial strategies for reducing homelessness.
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