Policy alert: SCOTUS ruling endangers survivors in Grants Pass v. Johnson 

Esperanza United stands in solidarity with unhoused individuals, many of whom are survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). We operate a shelter for survivors of GBV and their families and work holistically with over 600 individuals and their children each year. We know all too well about the barriers to accessing shelter and the realities of limited capacity. We have deep concern over the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Grants Pass v. Johnson, which allows cities to criminalize homelessness by permitting the enforcement of anti-camping ordinances even when shelter space is unavailable. 

We echo Justice Sotomayor’s powerful dissent, which highlights the devastating impact this decision will have on survivors of GBV. As she noted, “For women, almost 60% of those experiencing homelessness report that fleeing domestic violence was the ‘immediate cause.’” Esperanza United understands that the criminalization of homelessness disproportionately impacts communities of color, including Latin@ individuals, families, and survivors. 

Many Latin@ survivors of GBV will face severe consequences due to this decision. GBV and poverty create a vicious cycle that can quickly lead to homelessness. Many survivors lose their housing due to financial abuse, job loss, or the need to relocate for safety reasons. Once homeless, they face increased vulnerability to further violence and exploitation, making it even more challenging to break free from the cycle of abuse and poverty.

Undocumented survivors face additional barriers to accessing services, and anti-camping laws make them even more vulnerable, disregarding their trauma and potential re-traumatization in traditional shelter environments.

We call on local governments to prioritize trauma-informed, culturally responsive housing solutions and to implement alternatives to criminalization that center on the needs of vulnerable populations. We urge local governments to increase funding for domestic violence shelters, culturally specific services programs, and transitional housing programs, especially in light of the Supreme Court’s decision in favor of Grants Pass.