A judge in Oregon issued a preliminary injunction on Friday that prevents a city at the center of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on homeless encampments from enforcing its camping regulations unless certain conditions are met. The lawsuit, brought by advocates, requires Grants Pass to expand capacity at city-approved camping sites and ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
The injunction prohibits the city from citing, arresting, or fining individuals for camping on public property, forcing people to leave campsites, removing campsites that are not clearly abandoned, or prohibiting camping in most city parks until the specified conditions are fulfilled. However, the city can still enforce rules against sleeping on sidewalks, streets, alleys, and doorways.
Mayor Clint Scherf expressed disappointment with the decision, while city information coordinator Mike Zacchino stated that Grants Pass is evaluating its options to make the best decision for the community. Disability Rights Oregon filed the lawsuit, alleging discrimination against people with disabilities and violation of state law regarding camping regulations.
Grants Pass, a small city in southern Oregon, has grappled with homelessness issues for years, sparking a national debate on how to address the crisis. The city’s parks became a contentious issue, with encampments marred by drug use and litter. Last June, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of communities being able to ban outdoor sleeping and impose fines, overturning a previous appeals court decision that deemed camping bans without sufficient shelter space as cruel and unusual punishment.
Following the Supreme Court ruling, Grants Pass restricted camping on city property except at designated sites established by the City Council. However, the closure of a major site and limited hours at another site prompted the recent legal action. The lawsuit highlighted overcrowding, poor conditions, and lack of accessibility for individuals with disabilities at the designated sites.
The court order mandates Grants Pass to restore capacity to previous levels and address accessibility concerns before enforcing camping rules. The city’s efforts to navigate homelessness challenges continue amid ongoing debate and legal proceedings.
According to Disability Rights Oregon, the recent ruling is considered a win. The organization stated, “This is not an extreme remedy. Essentially, the court is recommending a return to the previous levels of space and resources available to individuals experiencing homelessness just three months ago,” as reported by AP. The rise in homelessness by 18% nationwide last year is primarily attributed to the insufficient availability of affordable housing, alongside the impact of severe natural calamities and an influx of migrants in certain regions.
