Bring America Home Now

Over the last year, the National Coalition has developed a plan to move from advocacy to action.  We were not aware at the time of how necessary action would become.  In February, we were informed that on April 22nd, the United States Supreme Court would be hearing a case entitled Jackson vs Grants Pass.  The case involves a small town in Oregon that lacks enough shelter to prevent people from sleeping outside.  The case is a response to Martin v Bosise, which makes it illegal to criminalize homelessness without enough shelter space.

The practice of criminalizing people for being forced into homelessness is a violation of the 8th Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment.  People are being fined and jailed for being homeless as if their homelessness is a choice.  We are fundamentally against people sleeping outside, but we recognize that Housing is the Solution and that criminalization only exacerbates the issue.   

Laws outlawing homeless and other life-sustaining activities are now in place in over 187 cities and 48 states.  In Tenessee, it is a felony to be homeless with the possibility of up to 6 years in jail.  In Kentucky, it is now legal to utilize stand-your-ground laws against people experiencing homelessness.  You can now use force, including deadly force, against those experiencing homelessness.

TNCH and its partner are organizing to show SCOTUS that there is fierce opposition to making homelessness a crime.  We look forward to seeing all of you join us in Washington, DC, on April 22nd and join us in solidarity with your community. Please visit our website for more information: www.nationalhomeless.org.