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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@97NH3TF3yrs3Y
Yes, unless it is disturbing the peace of the surrounding area.
@9BDLZNM2yrs2Y
If you refuse a job offer or shelter then no you have refused the right to do this.
@9DTZBM42yrs2Y
No, but only if shelters are better funded and a truly good choice for the individual.
@99PH6RGIndependent3yrs3Y
Yes, but they should be encouraged not to
@B7CCXHY2wks2W
yes but not encamp on like public public areas, woods and otherwise is fine but also we need more resources for the homeless and struggling in general.
@B6NGMT72mos2MO
Housing or shelters need to work without drug-free conditions. They should be kept violence-free and no drug dealing on site but housing can allow an individual to stabilize and go through rehabilitation, develop job skills, etc, find a vocation.
@B4JBND9Peace and Freedom6mos6MO
I don't have an issue with homeless people sleeping in public spaces as long as it does not violate people or get in the way of business.But if it does than erase them accordingly.
@B4CRDVY6mos6MO
There should be laws in place that will help the homeless et back on their feet easily as long as they want to, some homeless people just can't come back to society and
No don't let them if they have refused after being given the option, but provide programs to help them with food, clothing, medicine, etc.
@B49D58G6mos6MO
The government should increase spending on homeless shelters to allow more available space for the homeless that isn't on public property.
@B3L7674Independent7mos7MO
Homeless people should have mental evaluations down for free if they are willing to do so. Many homeless people are not in a state of mind where they can represent themselves and responsible for their own safety due to common mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, etc.
@9ZMQNZR 11mos11MO
They shouldn't be allowed to take up the public property unless it is just a bench or something, but the shelters need to be decent and safe.
@9FTZSYF 11mos11MO
No, but only if there is confirmation of a shelter within walking distance that has available space, if the person still refuses provide a social worker to find out why they refuse to go to a shelter
@9WPT49812mos12MO
No, but we also shouldn't implement anti-homeless architecture and have a passive-aggressive attitude toward the homeless.
@9W9JDY312mos12MO
No, but I don't think it should be criminal in public spaces as long as they aren't causing problems
@9W74LF6 12mos12MO
No, but we need more resources and programs for tracking why they refuse and trying to persuade them not to
@9W5Y72P12mos12MO
Yes, and create more social programs to provide food, clothing, and medicine, but also enforce limits and create incentives to encourage them to use the programs to get jobs and a home.
@9W5SRXD12mos12MO
Yes but No they should make more programs with free food , clothing , etc but they should be able to sleep at more places but not all places
@9VVJKL812mos12MO
If they have refused available services, no they should not be allowed to sleep or encamp on public property. But we need to make sure that they are being told and explained such services.
@9VQ5VR5 12mos12MO
Designate safe places for people to camp and have someone in authority to make sure illegal/harmful things don't occur maybe could be a good idea?
No, I think we should urge them to stay in homeless shelters when they're caught, because its unsafe for them
@9V7DFXF1yr1Y
I believe if no harm is being done while in the public area then there should be no reason why they don't have the right to do so. It is common for individuals to feel unsafe in shelters and housing, due to this it is common for them to reside in public areas that fit their comfort.
@9V2ZJV81yr1Y
Yes, we can create more social programs to provide free food, clothing, and medicine and they can come to the shelter whatever they need to, could be during in the winter too.
@9TKH5B71yr1Y
Yes, but there should be legislations also passed that regulate the encampments and also that allow for people to be moved if the encampments or persons interfere with businesses or something
@9SWSRWRIndependent1yr1Y
I feel as though there should be parks created for people in this situation who have adapted to outdoor living
@9SMTNYN1yr1Y
No, but incentives should be given to provide safe, clean shelters and rehab facilities where needed
@9SJXP6B1yr1Y
No, but create social programs that provide free food, clothing, medicine, shelter, and community jobs that help them make some money.
@9S38XKK1yr1Y
Only in provided public spaces that are designated for this purpose. Camping on any public property anywhere should not be allowed but additional formats/structures of public accomodation which may include camping should be developed.
@9RWQMSV1yr1Y
No, but create more social programs to eliminate stigma and reduce crime/abuse from other individuals or systemic limitations.
Yes, once we have established available shelter or housing that doesn't require religious affiliation
@9MG78GY1yr1Y
they should be allowed to have a place they feel comfortable but it not be putting themselves or others at risk
@9M29Z9M1yr1Y
they can stay in there camps just dont mess up the surrounding area other than that i could care less
@9LRL2QS1yr1Y
In specifically designated areas, as long as the government is actively working to make living conditions and way of life better for homeless individuals.
@9LRDYGB1yr1Y
no they should have to be required to have a job if they want to sleep on public grounds or in public areas or buildings
No, it should be an criminal offence, but also In the same sense, we shouldn't punish them, just arrest them and give them an option between a homeless shelter, or be sent to prison.
@9LR4MJW1yr1Y
It depends on why they refused shelter and housing in the first place. If they refused because of how they were previously treated in a shelter, or not being able to afford the housing .
@9LLD5ZT1yr1Y
I believe the homeless people who refused shelter and housing shouldnt be allowed because the shelter and the housing is a Great opportunity to get back on your feel.
@9LL37BY1yr1Y
Yes, but it should be in an area that does no interrupt the public's view and should not change the aesthetic of the area perhaps in more secluded area, but preferably they should stay in homeless shelters.
@9L985982yrs2Y
They should want to get better and have that help. But they aren't forced to but the government should supply needs if they want them.
@9L8FG3NNatural Law2yrs2Y
No, because first of all, no one deserves to be in the streets, and second it would bother some people seeing someone sleeping on their public property.
@9KLWPW32yrs2Y
No, but if there is a place where they could sleep that wasn't a possible endangerment to others, like homeowners, that would be ideal, so that they can at least exist somewhere.
@9KLVRH62yrs2Y
I mean where else are they gonna sleep, especially if they're trying to get their life back together
@9KLKZTF2yrs2Y
Have someone go to the shelters and act like a homeless person and see how good or bad the quality of that shelter and staff if they are bad fire them and hire good staff and security and then they can stay inside shelters because no person should live on public property in the cold and dangerous places.
@9HTN886Republican2yrs2Y
they should be able to get a job and work for what they want instead of expecting someone to hand them what they want
@9HLRSRF2yrs2Y
No, I think it is not right or pleasing to see homeless people or people in general sleeping on public property.
If the homeless person is being disruptive to the general public, then no, but if they aren't bothering anyone, then this is a yes.
@9H9JQCL2yrs2Y
If illegal immigrants are able to get job opportunities, then homeless people should have the same. Or provide some easy work opportunity for homeless. Maybe some community work.
@9H8RZYQ2yrs2Y
Depending because some people are homeless because they are addicted and stay sober. They dont want to work, or anything. Imagine they have kids how they going to provide
@9GV7L2W2yrs2Y
There should be designated spots for them to camp at, but only for a certain period of time before they will be forced to leave from that designated area. But there should be multiple of them around the city to allow cycling of them so that if they are kicked from one they can move onto the next but have to travel some distance. Additionally, there would be a time frame of which they aren't allowed to return to that specific shelter, but eventually that period of time will expire and they can return to that spot for another period of time. Food and clothing will not be provided at these areas.
@9GT9PD52yrs2Y
yes because whoever the homeless individual is, they have been given the opportunity for a more beneficial living space that is more efficient to everyone and legal so I think someone refusing this has no right to just wander around random spaces that could cause not only the government to be upset by everyone around them too.
@9GS5NQZ2yrs2Y
I say that they should not be able to intrude on public areas, but we should build more places for them to go.
@9GLNVJH2yrs2Y
No, if there is shelter being provided for them, then they need to go there. No one should be allowed to stay on the street, there needs to be more shelters added around if all of them are filled.
@9GLJ35W2yrs2Y
Yes if they have a good reason too and they should get free food and clothing; if they need the medicine they should also get that too
I wanna say yes but not in peoples homes, I hate the law that if they are in your home they don't have to leave
@9GKKQY4Progressive2yrs2Y
I be;live we should create programs to question why they do not wish to take the provided aid and find out if they have a valid reason or concern.
@9GHH3Y4Women’s Equality2yrs2Y
if they don't accept the help that was provided for them than why should we have a say in how they are running their life it's not like they want help so just leave them be
@9GDY2LF 2yrs2Y
No, since they have declined to sleep in a comfortable place where food is provided as well as shelter.
@9G4C7C62yrs2Y
Provide open space that is not interrupting commerce for businesses and homes. but give them places to sleep and be safe.
@9FMSZG22yrs2Y
If they respect the public property then they should be allowed to use it but should consider getting help from shelters.
@9FMS9J32yrs2Y
They have the right to public property as long as they respect it but should also be more accepting to help from shelters.
@9FLM9CH2yrs2Y
If they aren't bothering others and in their own area then yes, while also creating more social programs to provide free food, clothing, and medicine.
@9FLL2HL2yrs2Y
Yes, as long as they aren't harming themselves or others
@9FG3N5V2yrs2Y
I feel like if they refuse available shelter or housing, they should still be able to sleep on public property, but not anywhere else.
@9FB4GQB2yrs2Y
Homeless people should have an option to safe housing
If they have refused available shelter or housing then where else would they sleep? so yes i think that they should be able to as long as they are not voilating any laws or disrupting businesses.
@9BZDM352yrs2Y
I would day yes but within good reason and benefits
@9BWSPDR2yrs2Y
Cities should allocate or designate certain areas for encampments.
@9BWPNCW2yrs2Y
Yes but regulate how many per public space
@9BS5WT62yrs2Y
if they have refused available shelter then i believe they should be restricted as to where they can go, but they should also be still given the chance to take advantage of those opportunities they are given.
@9BNYD9K2yrs2Y
@9BLRYCV2yrs2Y
I feel like the point of "public" property is for it to be public. most shelters, and housing areas aren't suitable areas for even homeless people. I find it sad that people who shouldn't even be homeless struggle because of the housing market.
@9BL86WR2yrs2Y
no i can understand that some shelters arent the best and some people don't wanna stay there but I don't think they shouldjust be allowed to sleep on public property without permission, I think there should be alternative shelters and regulations
@9BKTMW82yrs2Y
I think yes if the owner of the property allows it but no if the owner does not allow it.
@9BKK6FJRepublican2yrs2Y
no , but create more special programs to provide free foods, clothing, medicine and shelter
@9BFSWRT2yrs2Y
if they are trying to do things to better themself then yes
@9B2NKTK3yrs3Y
I think that refusing the shelter or housing would have to come from a good reason. I don't see an issue with it on public property unless it is causing disruptions.
@99YFYTS3yrs3Y
Yes, as long as they are not causing any harm and not violating other people's space
@99Y2F7Q3yrs3Y
there should be ways homeless people could be able to take care of themselves while they are trying to get out of their bad situations. If they don't try and just stay there then they should eventually be kicked out.
@99Y2DKH3yrs3Y
No, but only if they are allowed a place to stay
No but only if they refused available shelter or housing. If they were turned away or were never offered shelter or housing, then they should be allowed to sleep or encamp on public property.
@99TVBJ93yrs3Y
It depends on where they are staying, they should be allowed to camp in the woods or under a bridge they are not bothering anybody.
@99Q6XGJ3yrs3Y
I thick they should be able to if they cant make it to one but they should have the ability to go to a shelter.
@99DZNDG3yrs3Y
Yes, but the property owner has the right to tell them to leave.
@99DZCQCIndependent3yrs3Y
Depends where the public property is
@996K94T3yrs3Y
No, but it shouldn't be a criminal matter, they should be treated with the same respect and decency as other members of the community
They should have a homeless shelter and support the poor in getting a job.
@98599TP3yrs3Y
It depends. If they are not a threat to the public then it should be allowed.
@97WLFGX3yrs3Y
as long as they are not bothering you.
@97F2PD83yrs3Y
No, if they have refused available accommodations they should not be allowed to do so. Unfortunately, a lot of crime occurs as a result of this happening.
@96NV8R5Independent3yrs3Y
if its public property, then its public, just have a limited amount
@96NH3V53yrs3Y
No, They need to take the avalible shelter, and to not break the law
@96N9PTS3yrs3Y
I say yes but no because if they making a mess then no but if they keeping it nice then igs yes
@96JQ8MX3yrs3Y
they can do what they want honestly if they go to a camp they get food and shelter if no then thats on them
@96CT74N3yrs3Y
Yes, as long as they don't impede on other people
@968KZ9X3yrs3Y
Yes, if it is public property, then it is for the public to use.
@9683BNZ3yrs3Y
yes if they don't create any promblems
@966F3X73yrs3Y
If they have opportunities to have a place to sleep, the no, but I'm not exactly sure about my thoughts on this.
@966B4FR3yrs3Y
Yes, but it should be certain limitations
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