Grants Pass v Johnson: Homeless Rights Case Could Reshape West Coast Anti-Camping Laws

The US Supreme Court is set to review a legal dispute between Oregon and homeless rights groups which has major implications for West Coast cities’ abilities to tackle sprawling tent encampments. A suit originally brought against Grants Pass by activist Debra Blake, who claimed the city was fining people for sleeping outside in an attempt to push them out of town, is being reviewed on Monday at a court hearing in Washington DC. If successful, it could result in homelessness policies across nine Western states changing dramatically – with cities either having to provide shelter beds or face legal action over anti-camping ordinances. The case has been dubbed Grants Pass v Johnson after Blake’s successor Gloria Johnson is set to take the stand representing fellow homeless residents at Monday’s hearing, where she will be supported by a Washington DC attorney. If successful in court, critics of Oregon’s policies have warned that similar scenarios could unfold across America – with cities unable to enforce anti-camping ordinances if shelter beds aren’t available. Opponents claim the 9th Circuit overstepped last year by striking out locally formulated legislation addressing such issues and argue it has caused widespread paralysis in how West Coast communities handle homelessness, leading to ‘harmful effects’. Oregon’s homeless population grew nearly 40% between 2018-23 according to HUD figures – the second highest rate behind California. But spending on housing solutions increased too, reflecting wider controversy surrounding issues affecting vulnerable citizens at state level amid reports that overdoses and violence are rife in encampments across Portland, for example. Johnson claimed cities have been using last year’s court ruling as a ‘cop-out’, citing failed policy making by both political parties to tackle the issue – adding: “We’ve gotten ourselves into this fix through decades of failed policy that both parties have shared.” But Grants Pass shelter operator Brian Bouteller, who runs Oregon’s only overnight homeless facility, hit back at Johnson’s claims. He said shelters were still operating ‘at less than half full since 2018’, while more people remained in the parks due to anti-camping ordinances being deemed unconstitutional – adding: “This is an issue of vandalism … Human trafficking… Lots and lots of drug trafficking.” Meanwhile, medical professional Dr Bruce Murray who works with homeless populations in Grants Pass warned that access to care could become more difficult if the Supreme Court sides with cities, pointing out ‘access’ may also push them further into unhealthy outdoor environments.