On April 22, the US supreme court held their hearing on Johnson v Grants Pass: a historic homeless case evaluating the criminalization of being outside with a covering. This case comes on the heels of a number of anti homeless policies ranging in punishment but all with the aim of displacing people and punishing poverty. In response, organizations and individuals across the nation took to the streets to express their indignation and outcry against these intensifying attacks on poor people.
WRAP member organizations mobilized 750+ individuals across 7 cities and five states (California, Colorado, Oregon, Montana, and Washington) and participated in a Day Of Action. We joined in solidarity with other organizations who held mobilizations in different towns and cities across the country. In Washington D.C attendance reached over 700 people meaning thousands were a part of this amazing day of resistance. WRAP member groups joined in on marches, rallies, overnight encampments, film screenings and other activities to highlight the conditions of the people most impacted by anti homeless policies like Johnson v Grants Pass.
The simultaneous actions highlighted key points regarding the case such as the historical legacy of banishment policies and the worsening economic/housing crisis brought on by our neoliberal government policies and priorities. From sundown towns to Anti-Okie and Ugly laws, this country has long weaponized policing and laws against groups of individuals. People with disabilities, migrants, Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC) face the brunt of these banishment policies whereas the predominantly white and wealthy class of society have been able to benefit from the forced displacement of others.
With inflation impacting the costs of basic needs from eggs to gas, the capacity of people’s dollars has shrunk. Rent across the country continues to rise meanwhile wages do not reflect the aggressive housing market. This compounded with a general lack of affordability for other basic needs such as healthcare or transportation makes the idea of slipping into poverty less an idea and actually a reality for most.
Despite the heightened aggression towards unhoused community members, the organizing efforts that built up to the April 22nd simultaneous day of action which continues today is a testament to the determination thousands have for a more just society where being poor is not a crime.
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