Western States Seek Supreme Court Intervention on Homeless Encampments

Leaders from across the political spectrum are urging the Supreme Court to allow cities to clear homeless encampments that have proliferated during the pandemic.
Advocates for the homeless argue that providing housing, not enforcement, is the solution, while city leaders say camps have made public spaces unsafe.
A Ninth Circuit ruling limiting the ability of cities to clear camps without providing housing has resulted in unchecked encampments, according to the states.
California has been particularly overwhelmed, with over 170,000 homeless residents statewide.
Over 50 state and local governments are asking the Supreme Court to overturn the lower court decisions restricting their ability to enforce laws on public camping.