JOHNSON V. GRANTS PASS SUPREME COURT RULING
GOOD NEIGHBOR PLEDGE
Preamble:
As members of the South Bay Los Angeles communities, we stand at a critical juncture in addressing the challenges presented by homelessness and housing instability. In Johnson v.
Grants Pass the U.S. Supreme Court held that the enforcement of generally applicable laws regulating camping on public property does not constitute “cruel and unusual punishment” prohibited by the Eighth Amendment. However, the Court noted that these public-camping regulations are not usually deployed as a front-line response “to criminalize homelessness”.
Instead, they are used to provide city employees with the legal authority to address “encampments that pose significant health and safety risks and to encourage their inhabitants to accept other alternatives like shelters, drug treatment programs, and mental-health facilities.” The Court further recognized that “Homelessness is complex. Its causes are many. So maybe are the public policy responses required to address it”.
In light of the ruling, and the Court’s language, weWe commit to an approach that offers services and shelter as a cornerstone of our strategy. Recognizing the controversial history of sweeps, we pledge not to engage in practices that simply move individuals from one member city street to another, understanding that such actions do not solve but only relocate the issue. we are reminded of the complexities of city responses to homelessness and the need for innovative, evidence-based solutions. Through this Good Neighbor Pledge, we affirm our dedication to practices that prioritize coordination, offer services, and achieve sustainable, long-term solutions.
Principles:
• Advance Care Coordination and Collaboration: We commit to enhancing care coordination among all stakeholders, including cities, unincorporated areas, social services, and community organizations, to offer comprehensive support. Continued collaboration with the South Bay Cities Council of Governments is essential in ensuring a unified and effective regional response.
• Commit to Ethical Resolution: We commit to an approach that offers services and shelter as a cornerstone of our strategy. Recognizing the controversial history of sweeps, we pledge not to engage in practices that simply move individuals from one member city street to another, understanding that such actions do not solve but only relocate the issue.
• Continue Our Investments: We commit to continue investing in solutions to solve and prevent homelessness. The SBCCOG will continue to be a partner in securing housing, shelter and services funding, knowing that existing investments like pallet shelters, homeless courts, and SHARE! Housing decrease street homelessness durations and increase public safety.
• Training Our People: Recognizing that many people sleeping on the streets prefer to stay in their neighborhood, often not far from the home where they last lived, we commit to making it easier for them to access the local resources they need to once again become housed. As soon as is practicable, and NO LATER THAN DECEMBER 31, 2024, we commit that appropriate to training city personnel and contractors will beto fully aware educate them as toof the resources available in our city so that they can help pe ople experiencing homelessness more easily access these resources. The SBCCOG can assist cities with this education and training, especially as it relates to regional resources.
By embracing this pledge, we unite in our commitment to hold each other accountable in a South Bay defined by care, collaboration, and community. We recognize the challenges ahead but remain steadfast in our belief that together, we can build a future that honors the collective strength of our neighborhoods.
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