The Supreme Court recently overturned a 9th Circuit decision barring West Coast cities from imposing penalties on homeless populations unless alternatives were offered, (“Supreme Court reverses Oregon homelessness case, finds Grants Pass public camping laws aren’t ‘cruel and unusual,’” June 28). This decision serves one important purpose for Portland: it returns us to the same federal guidelines governing cities like Boston and New York. It does not overrule HB 3115 or our local camping guidelines.
It also does not change our moral obligations. We must provide shelter or approved campsite options to people who are homeless. We need to provide public assistance to this population. I believe our mental health and drug treatment services are inadequate. Those who are attempting to avoid losing housing, and those who need a hand in returning to housing, deserve our help.