In-person - D.C. & nationwide
Last April 22nd, groups fighting to end homelessness held “Housing Not Handcuffs” rallies and actions in DC and cities across the country during the “Grants Pass” Supreme Court case. The Supreme Court ruled that the US Constitution does not protect the poor and homeless against the cruel and unusual punishment of being ticketed or arrested even when they have no choice but to sleep outside. Since the decision, over 150 cities have passed laws that make it illegal to be homeless and laws and budget cuts that will make homelessness worse are spreading.
The real solution to homelessness is housing, along with care and services for those struggling unmet needs. But instead of funding what works, our national and local elected are proposing massive budget and staff cuts that will make more people homeless, poor, and sick. At the same time, they are spreading laws that make it illegal to be poor and homeless, which will lead to increased ticketing, incarcerating and institutionalizing of people struggling to survive.
The Housing Now National Rally aims to raise awareness and advocate for policy changes that prioritize the dignity, rights, and wellbeing of all individuals, regardless of their housing status. We believe that every person deserves a safe place to call home, and it is unacceptable that many are facing incarceration simply because they have nowhere to go.