Spotlighting Seattle Encampments
As homelessness hits all-time highs across the country, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments Monday about enforcement of laws regulating camping on public property. The case will determine how cities nationwide are allowed to respond. We Heart Seattle’s Andrea Suarez and I went out to spotlight multiple encampments in Seattle’s park system where virtually everyone rejected offers for shelter and services. That’s because illegal drugs, mental illness, and broken relationships are fueling this crisis.
Robert Marbut Weighs In
“Homelessness rulings by the 9th Circuit have been disastrous and devastating to communities up and down the west coast,” said Discovery Institute Senior Fellow, Robert Marbut, former Executive Director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness under both the Trump and Biden administrations.
“The overturning of Grants Pass v. Johnson by the Supreme Court would be a great first step in taking back our lost inner cities,” said Marbut. “This in turn would clear the way for critical reforms like passing Housing PLUS into law which would re-purpose funding for much needed treatment of substance use disorders and untreated mental illness for people experiencing homelessness.”
Even With Shelter Available
Homeless man Steve Irwin is the reason why cities must be allowed to clear dangerous encampments. Even with shelter beds available, he continues to reject all help being offered.