PolicyLink Statement on Johnson v. Grants Pass Supreme Court Decision

The recent Supreme Court decision in Johnson v. Grants Pass is deeply troubling and unjust.

While the majority opinion emphasizes granting local governments wide latitude to address homelessness, it sets a dangerous and unconscionable precedent that disregards the fundamental rights and dignity of unhoused people, allowing for the criminal punishment of those who have no access to shelter for the mere act of sleeping in public to survive.

Homelessness is not simply a consequence of personal failure but a symptom of a deeply flawed housing system that prioritizes profit over people, resulting in a severe lack of stable, affordable housing that meets people's needs.

Black, Indigenous, and Brown communities — along with young people, disabled people, seniors, and LGBTQ+ people — are disproportionately affected by housing insecurity and homelessness.

A stark reminder of the historical and structural inequities that underlie our society, the court’s ruling will subject the most burdened among us to further harm and indignity:

“The dissenting justices powerfully echoed our long-held belief that no one should be criminalized for their homelessness, especially when they have no other options,” said Michael McAfee, CEO of PolicyLInk. “Housing is a basic human need and an American civil right. What a shame to relitigate victories already won on behalf of all people. This decision underscores the urgent need for housing policy and strategies to ensure that everyone is safely housed, equally protected, and able to thrive.”

 PolicyLink urges everyone to take action:

1. Support the National Homelessness Law Center's call to 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.
2. Urge your elected officials to support real solutions to homelessness, not cruel and counterproductive measures like arrests and fines that exacerbate the problem. Use the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s advocacy toolkit to educate policymakers.

This decision is a setback, but it also galvanizes our resolve to fight for a future where housing is recognized and protected as a human right. We stand in solidarity with those who are unhoused, and we remain committed to advocating for policies that ensure all people have the security and dignity of a place to call home.