Good morning Housing Not Handcuffs supporters, 

In a profoundly disappointing ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court today shamefully ruled that people who are arrested or fined for sleeping outside are not included in the Constitution's protections against cruel and unusual punishment. Let us be clear, this will make homelessness worse. 

Arresting or fining people for trying to survive is expensive, counterproductive, and cruel. 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.

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.
Click here to read our full statement

Here are 3 things you can do right now to push for housing and build the power we need to solve homelessness:  

We extend our gratitude to the thousands of nationwide advocates who mobilized around this landmark case, rallied with us during oral arguments at the Supreme Court, and signed the 42 amicus briefs in support of homeless rights. Despite this Supreme Court ruling, we know that housing, not handcuffs, solves homelessness, and we will continue our work to ensure that everyone, regardless of race or background, has the housing they need to thrive. 

Onwards,

Jesse
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