ORLANDO, Fla. – The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments regarding homelessness encampment bans that went into effect in Central Florida and across the country.
The debate will focus on whether or not local governments can enforce the bans.
Here in Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new law making it illegal for people to camp out on streets, sidewalks and parks.
“According to the Homeless Services Network, over 2,000 people are experiencing homeless here in Central Florida and that number is rising,” Eric Camarillo of Salt Outreach Services said.
Since 2011 they have run a mobile drop-in center for people experiencing homelessness.
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They are able to take a shower, do laundry or get information on other helpful services.
He says the people they are seeing are everyday people who can’t afford the higher cost of living. Many are single moms and seniors.
Camarillo said all of the shelters in Central Florida are full, and this landmark decision will be the most critical ruling addressing homelessness in decades.
That’s why he wants as many people as possible to show up for a rally tomorrow morning at 11 a.m. at the Federal Courthouse on Central Boulevard.
He says criminalizing homelessness is not the answer.
“People sleeping on public property can get arrested even if shelters are full, so we see over 3,000 different people every year at our site, and to think about some of our clients being arrested when they have no where else to go is something that is just crazy to me,” Camarillo said.
The debate is the first item on the Supreme Court’s agenda on Monday.
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