The city of Grants Pass, Oregon, faces a new legal challenge over its homeless camping policies, reigniting debates about balancing public safety with the rights of the unhoused.
At a Glance
- Disability Rights Oregon sues Grants Pass over camping policies following Supreme Court ruling
- Lawsuit claims city’s actions violate state law and discriminate against disabled homeless individuals
- City Council voted to close larger campsite and restrict smaller one, citing unsanitary conditions
- Plaintiffs seek temporary restraining order to reverse campsite closure and halt restrictions
- Broader context includes nationwide homelessness crisis exacerbated by lack of affordable housing
Supreme Court Ruling Sparks New Legal Battle
In a significant development for cities grappling with homelessness, the U.S. Supreme Court recently upheld a Grants Pass ordinance banning public camping. The ruling rejected claims that the ban violated the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment. However, this decision has promptly led to a new lawsuit, filed by Disability Rights Oregon and five disabled homeless individuals against the city.
The lawsuit, Disability Rights Oregon v. City of Grants Pass, was filed in the Circuit Court for the State of Oregon for Josephine County. It alleges that the city’s policies discriminate against disabled people and violate Oregon state law, which requires camping regulations to be “objectively reasonable.”
City’s Actions Under Scrutiny
The Grants Pass City Council recently voted to close the larger of two city-owned campsites for homeless people and restrict the use of the smaller one, citing unsanitary conditions. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from advocates for the homeless, who argue that the available camping space is now insufficient, accommodating less than 20% of the city’s homeless population.
“Putting the lives of people with disabilities at risk in the dead of winter because they don’t have housing is cruel and illegal,” Jake Cornett, CEO of Disability Rights Oregon, said in a statement. “Without adequate shelter space available, forcing a person in a wheelchair or someone with a chronic illness to pack and move their belongings daily is not just impossible, it’s inhumane. Grants Pass’s dangerous actions must be stopped.”
The legal complaint argues that the campsites are unsuitable for disabled individuals, particularly those using mobility devices. It seeks a temporary restraining order to reverse the closure of the larger campsite and halt restrictions on the smaller one.
Grants Pass has one overnight shelter, the Gospel Rescue Mission, which has restrictions that deter some homeless individuals from seeking refuge there. This limitation further complicates the situation for those seeking shelter, especially during harsh weather conditions.
“A lot of us do not have any idea where to go,” Janine Harris, a homeless individual in Grants Pass, said.
The lawsuit accuses the city of using its authority to criminalize homelessness under the guise of time, place, and manner restrictions. It also argues that Grants Pass lacks a meaningful plan to provide shelter or assist homeless individuals in finding housing.
This legal battle in Grants Pass reflects a broader national issue. Homelessness remains a significant problem in the United States, with an 18% increase reported last year.
President Donald Trump has previously floated the idea of making homelessness illegal, forcing homeless people to either accept help or be arrested – and this could be the legal decision that decides whether he goes ahead with it or not.