June 28, 2024 -- We at the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth are shocked and disappointed by today's SCOTUS
City of Grants Pass v. Johnson decision, which upheld ordinances restricting camping in public spaces and penalizing individuals for sleeping outdoors.
This significant decision opens the door for potential extreme measures that may result in unreasonable fines and, ultimately, the criminalization of homelessness. This would be detrimental to the approximately 1.5 million homeless children and youth, and their families, served by our organization and its members. We will continue to support and advocate for vulnerable youth, NAEHCY members, and homeless advocacy stakeholders during these uncertain times. In the coming weeks and months, NAEHCY will bring together key stakeholders and provide spaces for the discussion of how this decision may impact the work of McKinney-Vento Liaisons, states, and leaders in the fight against homelessness across the nation.
