Roanoke leaders weigh in on possible Supreme Court case impacts on homeless community
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — The Supreme Court is weighing arguments on a case that could impact how cities handle homelessness.
A city in Oregon sparked the debate about whether they have a constitutional right to punish people for camping on sidewalks, even if they have nowhere to go. Currently, the Oregon Town of Grants Pass has begun fining people $295 for sleeping outside.
Closer to home, the City of Roanoke passed an ordinance in 2021 that made people camping on the sidewalk punishable by a misdemeanor fine of $250.
Mayor Sherman Lea says there is a marked difference between the Star City and the Oregon city involved in the Supreme Court case.
“If you have places for homelessness you can move people into those places, it’s only those places that don’t have places for homelessness,” shared Mayor Lea. “We still have issues, but overall we have places for homeless citizens to go.”
RELATED STORY: With homelessness on the rise, the Supreme Court weighs bans on sleeping outdoors
Multiple projects are sprouting in the Star City including the Least of These Ministry which turned an old hotel into temporary housing for those in need. But Founder Dawn Sandoval told WFXR that the Roanoke area has ways to go when it comes to housing the homeless community.
“Roanoke is a resource-rich community as it relates to homeless service providers. However as it relates to overnight shelter the Rescue Mission is the only emergency shelter that is available,” explained Sandoval.
She added that she does not agree with the fine, but she does see both sides of the case.
“There’s a side of the coin where people have the right to have their property not be imposed upon by people who are sleeping in their doorway sleeping on their sidewalk,” explained Sandoval. “However, I also understand when you literally have no single place that you’re permitted to exist, I really don’t know what else you can do.”
According to a report, homelessness across the United States increased by 12% in 2023, the highest reported level. Approximately 653,000 people were experiencing homelessness during the January report. This is the highest number of homeless number for homelessness since the country began using the yearly point-in-time survey in 2007.
With the growing homeless population across the country, Mayor Lea says he has hope for Roanoke.
“Roanoke is a compassionate city it’s a challenge as you see in many other localities and cities, but Roanoke is making inroads and I’m pleased with the work we’re doing,” added Mayor Lea.
The Supreme Court is expected to decide the case by the end of June.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
