Last week, IJ gave the Catherine H. Barber Memorial Shelter a resounding victory and a reason to anticipate a brighter New Year: The homeless shelter can now open its new facility to help those with no roof over their heads. What’s more, in ruling for IJ and our clients, the federal judge in this case set forth some of the strongest precedent for challenging courts’ automatic deference to government interests that we've seen. Please join IJ with a year-end contribution today to help us win more victories like this one.

IJ filed this case to reinforce that the government must treat property owners equally. The Barber Shelter, IJ’s client, is the only homeless shelter in Wilkes County, and for decades it has served individuals experiencing temporary homelessness. When the shelter outgrew its old location, a local dentist donated office space ideally suited to the charity’s needs. However, the town denied the permit application, even though the shelter met every requirement and checked every box the town asked it to.

The Constitution doesn't let government arbitrarily trample people's property rights simply because local bureaucrats don't want them in town, and IJ helped the district court see through the town’s tortured excuses. In ruling for us, the judge wrote that local ordinances “cannot be an excuse for the Court to abdicate its duty to protect the constitutional rights of all people. While homeless individuals face many challenges, attaining equal protection of the law under the Constitution ought not be one of them.”

Thank you for helping us give the hard-working people at the Barber Shelter and the community they serve such a welcome New Year’s gift. Joining IJ with your year-end support will keep our momentum strong as we fight for ordinary Americans who want to help each other without the government standing in their way.

Scott

Scott G. Bullock
President and General Counsel
Institute for Justice

Donate Today