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.
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@92KFYKJ3yrs3Y
No, because they refused to accept available shelter or housing, that they were offered.
@8YN4PR64yrs4Y
No, because they refused available shelter
@93Y9RDG3yrs3Y
Only if the owner of the property is ok with it
@B6TZL5J1mo1MO
if they were kicked from the shelters in the very first place then yes, but if not then its not okay
@B3D8YGC7mos7MO
depends where their at is they don't bother anyone and isn't in anyone's way then there should not be a problem.
@B34KMPXRepublican8mos8MO
I think this is tough because I tend to feel like it makes communities unsafe if homeless people can sleep anywhere. But I am unsure where they are supposed to go if they have nothing available.
@B34B9WN8mos8MO
They should have some restrictions on where they may shelter themselves since they have already declined free housing.
@B2VBBK78mos8MO
I think if we want our country to appear clean, we need to do something about all of the homeless people. If they refuse help from a shelter then they need to find another place to live that is not on public property.
@B2CDFTPRepublican9mos9MO
I feel like Homeless people who deny help, or sheltering shouldn't be allowed to sleep on public property. It shouldn't be illegal, but places like big cities should put drop prices down for houses, and create more nicer shelters for homeless.
@9WBGNBNIndependent12mos12MO
No, and there should be policies to encourage or require shelter for those, more to keep the streets well-kept, kinda like we pay taxes for better roads.
@9VN3XL412mos12MO
If there is a drug problem involved or pure laziness it should be illegal, but for those who try and try and there is obvious signs of trying to become a functioning member than it should be legal because they have no other choice
@9THSH251yr1Y
i think there should be more rehab places for the homeless to help them get on a good head start only if they are willing to
@9TFFQ3Z1yr1Y
i think there should be more free and available programs due tot he fact that there are increasing numbers of homelessness
No, if they are only offered group living accommodations or that would not work for them (having a pet that isn’t allowed at the shelter or having to split up a family) there has to be flexibility in these cases
@9TBZWTK1yr1Y
No, there is available shelter/housing, but we should offer programs that provide free food, clothing, and medicine.
@9T3N5JS1yr1Y
If they're making themselves a problem to the public, then they shouldn't be allowed on public property.
@9QRHCQT1yr1Y
So long as it's not a business or private residence. But they should also be given a specific period of time to find better accommodations before they will be penalized if they do try to occupy business or private properties.
@9MMTXQY1yr1Y
I believe yes but only in certain areas. For example, they could scare kids if they sleep at a playground.
@9LRBMD51yr1Y
No, if they are not willing to take what is given to them, then they should be required by law to, it makes the community look bad.
@9KZXFDD2yrs2Y
if someone gives them shelter and they deny it then either the shelter was the worst thing ever or the homeless person is extremely unwise.
@9JPZR5P2yrs2Y
Yes and no. Homeless people should be given shelter should they require it, but not on public property and it would just hurt the economy to pay for the sheltering of prisoners who never did any serious crimes in the first place, such as just being homeless. That being said more homeless shelters should be constructed rather than them sleeping on public property.
@9JJ4XN92yrs2Y
Yes make it illegal to do so , but also make homelessness a larger priority will keep people alike off the streets and help those seeking needed attention.
@9JHWFGQ2yrs2Y
Yes, but only if their encampment is unobstructive and nothing is left behind after their departure.
@9JBKX462yrs2Y
Just let them stay there but don't give them anything, they will find a way onto public property either way.
@9J4XLN32yrs2Y
No, I believe they shouldn't sleep and encamp on public property, but they should have more social programs, and should have more places to sleep, like a shelter providing free food, clothing, and medicine.
@9HSZ3VS2yrs2Y
If they refuse to take shelter then leave them. Ask them to move. But don’t make it criminal offense.
@9HKRBF52yrs2Y
I think there should be public spaces that allow homeless people to sleep, like parks rather than outside of busy business buildings.
@9HKGV392yrs2Y
I believe that people should be allowed into homeless shelters, and they wouldn't have to sleep in public areas.
@9HK2NLJ2yrs2Y
I think it’s fine if the sleep in public but there also needs to be a limit and maybe designated areas around cities that are warm and don’t
@9GSD5NH2yrs2Y
they shouldn't be allowed if they are causing a disturbance to peace other wise its public property and they can do as they please
@9G48H9YIndependent2yrs2Y
Yes, provided they do not disrupt day to day activities of the populace or vandalize/deface property
@9FW92G5 2yrs2Y
I feel they need somewhere to go but they are refused there options. We have to figure something out for them to go. But they also need to not make other people feel unsafe
@9FWB75J2yrs2Y
yes but i think that there should be designated spots for homeless people to sleep as in like a gazebo with beds under it so that there's some sort of cover from nature.
@9F6PM7H2yrs2Y
gotta sleep somewhere man
@9DZNMC92yrs2Y
yes, but public property could put up sighs if not wanted.
@9DZD326Women’s Equality2yrs2Y
No, I don't think they should unless it is very much needed or they need to take of someone
@8VGD9NG3yrs3Y
It should be up to the owner of the property
@B5NNV8R4mos4MO
The homeless should not be refused available shelter or housing, but should not be allowed to sleep in public areas, especially in larger city areas.
@9BYCXW42yrs2Y
I think they should if the government is not helping
@9BVR34C2yrs2Y
Yes, but only if the individual has permission from the property's owner.
@9BMLJ6R2yrs2Y
No, but there should still be social programs to help provide food, clothing, and medicine.
@9BL7DTC2yrs2Y
Yes, but only in certain areas and create more spaces for them to reside and create more job opportunities
@99YCWY83yrs3Y
Yes, as long as they are not disrupting the area.
@99X9XHK3yrs3Y
yes, but only if it's their last resort and only for that night.
@96CVCN93yrs3Y
No but there should be more social programs providing free food, clothing, and medicine
@96C56C93yrs3Y
if the situation is difficult then yes.
@95YM2RB3yrs3Y
depends how public it is
@95YM2Q93yrs3Y
In certain areas this should be allowed, but if any laws are violated, the rights should be revoked.
@95MYNFQ3yrs3Y
If available shelter was unsafe for them or their children, then yes, you must do what is necessary.
@95MXNRTWomen’s Equality3yrs3Y
I feel if they refused available shelter then they shouldn't be allowed to sleep in a public place/property because they were given the chance to live in a shelter
@95D38L73yrs3Y
Yes, but only in low traffic areas
@958R5PQ3yrs3Y
No, but we need more support for the homeless.
Designated public areas for homeless people to sleep.
@94WZYXF3yrs3Y
Yes, but not in public, urban centures
@94WJ76W3yrs3Y
yes but only for temporary living situations should not be reoccurring if there is available shelter
@94TNQH43yrs3Y
if they aren't causing anyone harm than i think it should be fine.
@94FHCMZ3yrs3Y
Yes, but only in areas where such gathering is conducive
@94DMWG73yrs3Y
No, because if there was available shelter or housing that was available they should have taken it, unless it had some catch or bad background
The only people that would refuse help in those circumstances would most likely be mentally challenged people which then would bring you to a completely different question to be asked
@KimInWisConstitution3yrs3Y
Yes, but only on property where the general public is not affected. They do not belong on public streets, parks, etc. Provide a safe, clean place and don't harass them to go to a shelter.
@92ZYKH63yrs3Y
they should but keep it clean around there
@92RGPNS3yrs3Y
This is a very complicated question if they refuse help should they be able to make things hard for other people more fortunate than them? I don't think so, however, they should be told that there isn't any shame in accepting help, and more homeless people should be helped.
@92KC6MFIndependent3yrs3Y
Yes, if it doesn't disturb peoples daily lives and activities.
@92J53693yrs3Y
These people have nowhere else, and they can't get a job sometimes. Apologetically those people have their own problems.
@927NY3D3yrs3Y
Yes, but resources should be allocated for those who want to improve their conditions
@924B32K4yrs4Y
If they are able to work and do things on their own, they should be able to keep a decent job for themselves and not throw their lives away living out on the streets.
@9242LW44yrs4Y
Yes, as long as they're not being a disturbance.
@923WLCQ4yrs4Y
yes, most of the time, unless it becomes a massive problem like in california, or if its like in the middle of the road or a sidewalk
@923RBZV4yrs4Y
I think they can sleep as long as it is public and are not disturbing people
@923893J4yrs4Y
I think the person would be foolish to refuse shelter if offered. I also believe they should have the option to stay in the public areas depending on the location.
no, if they refused available shelter. yes if there isn't any shelter available
@8ZTK4BP4yrs4Y
no, but will be given other options that are safer and better for this person and the public
@8Z8FY8S4yrs4Y
Yes, as long as they don't harm people and do it somewhere a little hiden
@8YY8CQR4yrs4Y
no but it shouldnt be illegal, they should just be forced to get back on their feet with help
@8YY7S474yrs4Y
If the person or family there asks first.
@8YQ4GXW4yrs4Y
Yes , but certain areas such as sidewalks and such should be cleared.
@8YPQWPJRepublican4yrs4Y
No. Local governments should be responsible for providing public homeless shelters.
@8YN4N8HRepublican4yrs4Y
Yes, but only if they have been abused at such places
@8YN9TPYIndependent4yrs4Y
Depending on the situation it is occurring in, if the person is motivated to help themselves, then they should do what is necessary to get back on their feet. Sometimes shelters can house unhealthy habits within people and it can be hard for others to find safety in those places.
@8YN8RTZ4yrs4Y
Yes, as long as they are being respectful of said property
@8YN7DVC4yrs4Y
Yes - How can you possibly keep track of who refused an available shelter and who didn't? You would waste so many resources arresting these homeless people and trying to make that determination.
@8YMZPDN4yrs4Y
Yes, but create a specific public area for them to reside safely while maintaining public peace.
@8YMZ7P44yrs4Y
Yes, as long as it is okay with the owner of the land
@8YKSNHT4yrs4Y
No, but if there is no available shelter, then yes.
@8YF2GXR4yrs4Y
only if its ok with the property owners
@8YCJL974yrs4Y
if the park Is not right in the city because lots of times they leave it a mess
@8YBR9CD4yrs4Y
Yes, but there they should add more places for them to stay. Like preserved placed in public areas where they can sleep.
@8Y98JCPWomen’s Equality4yrs4Y
yes, but depending on the area
@8Y8VYXYRepublican4yrs4Y
yes and no it depends on where it is
I think it all depends on the situation but it's also one of those scenarios where they were offered help and a place to sleep, but didn't accept it.
@8XZGP854yrs4Y
no, because they had an opportunity for housing and decided they didn't want it.
@8XVBXFC4yrs4Y
they should do what makes them happy
@8XTWJ254yrs4Y
yes but has to be kept clean
@8XTRNN94yrs4Y
no If they don't take the opportunities given why should things be handed to them
@9CTP27N2yrs2Y
The homeless population should be have access to more resources
@9CG7NL22yrs2Y
Yes, if the available shelters are overfilled or dangerous.
@9CFHP6L2yrs2Y
No, they should be given mental help with or without consent.
@9C5FF9Q2yrs2Y
It would depend on the reason why they turned down certain available shelters or housing.
@9C4H4XJ2yrs2Y
Only certain pieces of public property
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