PORTLAND, Ore. — In a significant development, Grants Pass, Oregon, has enacted a new ordinance prohibiting camping on public property while designating specific areas for homeless individuals to set up tents. This decision follows a pivotal U.S. Supreme Court ruling enabling cities to enforce outdoor sleeping bans.
On Wednesday, the Grants Pass City Council voted unanimously to implement a ban on camping in public spaces, including parks, while establishing four designated areas for homeless individuals.
This ordinance represents the city’s first amendment to anti-camping laws since the Supreme Court’s June ruling facilitated outdoor sleeping bans nationwide. Local officials have been navigating a persistent homelessness crisis that has incited community division and disputes over park utilization.
Mayor Sara Bristol stated the new regulations aim to redirect individuals from parks while still providing safe spaces for sleep.
“This is a progressive step forward for our community,” Bristol commented. “I am eager to regain control over our public spaces.”
The Supreme Court’s ruling concluded that outdoor sleeping bans do not violate the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment, overturning a previous lower court decision that had hindered the enforcement of anti-camping ordinances in Grants Pass.
The new regulations will take effect once a federal injunction blocking the city from enforcing its ordinances is lifted.
Under the new guidelines, four designated “allowable locations” will be available for camping. Violations of the camping ban in other areas may incur fines of up to $50.
Currently, Grants Pass has one overnight shelter, the Gospel Rescue Mission, which offers 138 beds. However, restrictions, including attendance at daily services and prohibitions on alcohol, drugs, and pets, limit its accessibility for many individuals in need.
One of the designated camping areas will permit stays of up to four days, while the other three sites will allow one-day stays. Due to state regulations requiring a 72-hour notice before clearing belongings, individuals can effectively remain at the longest-stay site for up to a week.
After their allotted time at each site, individuals can relocate to another designated area without restrictions on the frequency of moves.
These sites, situated on city-owned land, are not intended to serve as permanent residences or campgrounds. The city plans to provide essential amenities, including toilets and waste disposal, at these locations, though they will not be staffed.
“This plan is a temporary measure. While it does not fully address the complex issues of homelessness, it marks a step towards a more comprehensive solution,” Bristol stated. “Our efforts will continue.”
The city remains committed to exploring more areas suitable for camping and anticipates the development of two additional shelters, including a facility for individuals awaiting drug treatment.
The rising rates of homelessness in Grants Pass reflect a troubling trend seen across the country.
Last year, homelessness in the U.S. surged by 12%, reaching unprecedented levels due to soaring housing costs and a decrease in pandemic-related assistance.
It is estimated that over 650,000 individuals are currently homeless, the highest number recorded since 2007. Additionally, systemic issues, such as limited access to mental health and addiction services, disproportionately affect older adults, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of color.
Federal data reveals that nearly half of the homeless population in the U.S. sleep outdoors.
