DeLauro Statement on Supreme Court Decision to Criminalize Homelessness

WASHINGTON, D.C. – RealEstateRama – Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) released a statement in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling on Johnson v. Grants Pass, a decision that effectively criminalizes homelessness.

“I am horrified by the decision of the activist conservatives on the Supreme Court in this case. Homelessness is not a crime – it is a ruinous circumstance that many find themselves in because of their struggles with finances, substance use disorders, mental illness, or more. Being unhoused is not a crime – it is an issue of public health and economic security. Individuals should not be penalized and thrown in jail because they cannot afford to house themselves or find a shelter to rest.

“Our government has a responsibility to deal with the homelessness crisis – to expand affordable housing options, health care access, and programs like the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit that help individuals make ends meet and avoid homelessness.

“Just this week, House Republicans introduced a spending bill that guts the HOME program, the sole Federal program dedicated to affordable housing construction, by 60 percent – to levels that pre-date 1992. Across the country, more than 650,000 people experience homelessness any given night. This decimation of funding translates to thousands of affordable homes that will not be built or rehabilitated, and housing opportunities stripped from thousands of renters and homebuyers.

“The decision today is cruel, and I will work in Congress to ensure those facing homelessness have real options to overcome it.”