From 2020 – 2022 six US states introduced bills that would make sleeping on public property a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and a month in jail. In 2021 Texas became the first state to pass a statewide law which banned public homeless encampments statewide and pulled state grant funds from non-compliant cities. Proponents of these laws argue that that leaving tens of thousands of Americans—often with severe mental illness or substance use problems—on the streets for decades until they can all be provided with permanent, supportive housing is not a viable or humane model. Opponents argue that the laws do not provide housing solutions and simply encourage homeless people to relocate to other states.
Narrow down which types of responses you would like to see.
Narrow down the conversation to these participants:
Discussions from these authors are shown:
These active users have achieved an understanding of common concepts and the history regarding the topic of Homeless Encampments
These active users have achieved a basic understanding of terms and definitions related to the topic of Homeless Encampments
Yes, if they maintain their area, and don't have an extensive criminal record. If they trash the area they should be removed.
Yes, because it's public property
Homeless individuals, that have refused avaliable shelter or housing SHOULD be allowed to stay on public property, unless it is an obtruction to others' freedom.
If these homeless individuals have refused everything that helped them and deal in drugs or any criminal offense, they should be put into rehabilitation or worse, jail.
They should be forced into shelters and home created by the government and be given jobs sanctioned by the government for their own benefits if they ever decided to run away they should face a Criminal offense and be sent to prison
No, but it should not be a criminal offense. By better funding social services alternatives can be found.
Yes, but provide each individual the right equipment for camping, health care and training and enough money for transportation so they can move around from city to city. We would also teach them not to liter
The homeless should only be given free handouts (assistance) if they will use it to better their lives, use the opportunities to make a future for themselves.
Yes, unless they are visibly committing illegal crimes such as vandalism, harassment, etc. against other individuals.
No, get them mental help instead
Not all shelters treat or accept people with different beleif systems. More homeless shelters with we accept all policies are needed
Depends on the situation. Location, individual, etc
Yes as long as it doesn't interfere with pedestrian and tourist traffic.
They should find a homeless shelter. There are many of them and many of their employees would be proud to help out those in need.
Allow more help from private organizations
As long as they aren’t doing anything illegal
No, they should be forced to become productive citizens
No, but do not make it a criminal offense. Shelter and housing can often have impossible goals for some homeless individuals to reach, and that shouldn't be criminalized.
On specified properties.
No, but we should work to create more social programs.
Yes, as long as there are cultural reasons such as in Hawaii where their land and homes have been stollen from them or priced too high to be affordable.
As long as the individuals clean up their encampment
No, unless it comes to the very extreeme like those who are old,yet don't have anyone
This question covers a broad spectrum of people so I can't really decide
No, they should be transported to a shelter
As long as they do not attack or assault someone and don't destroy property.
If homeless individuals refused available shelter and housing there would have to be a reason for that. So current housing and shelters should be improved and public places shouldn’t be used to sleep in. As public property aren’t ideal locations to live in.
yes but try to improve available shelter or housing and have some security and doctors keep an eye on the camp
Yes, and we should also implement free homeless friendly infrastructure available
Give them priority over refugees
I think if their camp is out of the way they should be left alone, but i also think they should be allowed to take residence in abandoned buildings. no one is using them
@3CYDXFMConstitution2yrs2Y
No, but allow churches to provide free housing to non violent individuals who are evidently looking for work.
no they shouldn't but should have more homeless shelters and food for homless
Yes, but we should create better programs with the resources we have. Especially if they have paid taxes in the past.
No, most suffer from mental disablities and should be hospitalized
Yes, some places won’t fit that individual’s preference or comfort level
No, paired with greater spending to provide homeless individuals with resources.
depends where and why they refused shelter, should be approached case by case
They can transported and aloud to stay in states that allow encampment.
No, if shelters have openings they need to leave public locations.
Yes, but only if there’s available shelter nearby.
I don't think they should be forced into a shelter, but for the people that fact being homeless they should be fined for it or a night in jail.
@3CYDXFMConstitution3yrs3Y
No, but provide free housing to non violent offenders who are evidently looking for work.
Yes, as long as they are not a public nuisance and do not pose a danger to themselves or others
Yes, so long as there isn't much of obstruction, mess, or fecal matter everywhere
They need to be helped out imensly.
Loading the political themes of users that engaged with this discussion
Loading data...
Join in on more popular conversations.
