Supreme Court considers legality of cities criminalizing homelessness and dismantling camps

Our team interviewed Ed Johnson, the attorney who filed a lawsuit against Grants Pass, Oregon, and Theane Evangelis, the attorney representing the city. Johnson emphasized that long-time residents of Grants Pass suddenly had nowhere to live, which worsens the issue of homelessness. Having a criminal record from camping in public makes it difficult to find employment or housing. Evangelis argued that the city finds it safer for people to not camp in public, citing a recent overdose death in a tent on a little league field. She believes laws against public camping encourage people to seek shelter instead.

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