Toms River has enacted a law prohibiting sleeping and camping in municipal parking lots, empowering police to evict violators. Noncompliance may result in arrest and fines. The ordinance was motivated by local complaints and public safety concerns, including drug overdoses and thefts associated with unsheltered individuals. While supporters emphasize public safety, homeless advocates argue that criminalization worsens the challenges faced by homeless individuals and undermines outreach efforts aimed at securing housing. Some residents support the law, while others oppose it, viewing it as unhelpful and damaging.
"Anything that is going to criminalize people experiencing unsheltered homelessness is going to make it so much harder for them to get back into housing," said Taiisa Kelly, with Monarch Housing Associates.
"We're not looking to put people in jail, but the police need tools so that they can tell folks, 'Hey, you are not permitted to be here,'" Rodrick said.
Collection
[
|
...
]