Since the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling allowing localities to prohibit outdoor camping, approximately 150 cities in 32 states have enacted or reinforced these bans. These ordinances, which often include stringent penalties for camping or sleeping on public land, aim to deter homelessness by making it uncomfortable. Proponents believe these measures protect communities, while critics argue they simply move the issue elsewhere without solving the underlying causes of homelessness, exacerbating challenges for those affected by it. In California, which has the most camping bans, about 30% of the country's homeless are concentrated.
Roughly 150 cities in 32 states have enacted or reinforced bans against outdoor camping following the Supreme Court ruling permitting such measures.
Supporters argue the bans safeguard residents and local businesses, while critics claim they criminalize homelessness without addressing root issues.
Housing advocates believe that criminalizing homelessness merely perpetuates cycles of instability and worsens individuals' struggles to secure housing and employment.
California leads the nation in camping bans, hosting over 40 ordinances amid a homelessness crisis affecting nearly 30% of the U.S. homeless population.
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