January 2025

Criminalizing Homelessness is Not the Solution

We have a big problem with homelessness in our country. It can be solved if our leaders focus on helping people.

In June 2024, the Supreme Court criminalized homelessness. Law enforcement can now arrest or fine people for sleeping outside, even when they have no other place to go.

There are half as many shelter beds as there are homeless people. It is wrong to make it a crime to sleep outside when there’s no safe place to stay.

This Supreme Court decision hurts our most vulnerable neighbors. And it hurts the organizations that help them, including Agate. Here are the biggest issues:

More Pressure on Cities Like Minneapolis

If you’ve supported Agate, you know our success stories. Many include people moving to Minneapolis because they couldn’t find help anywhere else. Like Steve, who came to Minnesota seeking services and a fresh start. He found them at Agate.

When cities make homelessness a crime, “safe” places like Minneapolis feel the pressure. The lack of funding spreads our resources thin. We expect more need in the community Agate serves because of this.

The Stigma Will Get Worse

The rise in people seeking help here is a concern. But what’s worse is the general lack of caring and the cruel treatment of homeless people. They are just trying to survive.

I believe this ruling will increase cruelty. That the stigma against homeless people will worsen.

Being homeless is already dangerous because of mistrust and hostility from others. Homeless people often have a lot of trauma. They deserve care, safety, and housing – just like everyone else.

Homelessness Is Solvable, But Priorities Are Wrong

This problem can be solved. It’s about justice and deciding that it’s not okay for people to be homeless. We are in one of the wealthiest states in the richest country. There’s no reason for this crisis. We can afford to help people. On top of that, I believe we all carry a moral responsibility to do what we can to take care of our community. So take action!

That’s why advocacy is important. We must tell our leaders to fund programs to end this crisis.

Our leaders could work harder with organizations that know what our communities need. They could pass laws and create programs to end homelessness in our country and our state.

Criminalizing homelessness is not the solution. I don’t see how anyone working to end the crisis could agree with the ruling. As we see its impact, we will work harder to help our homeless neighbors find homes, safety, and hope. It will take hard work, advocacy, and your help. But we can do it.

You can help end the homelessness crisis by donating today. Your generosity creates new homes, reliable services, and hope.