Gabe Greschler

The debate over a forthcoming U.S. Supreme Court ruling that could have far-reaching implications for homelessness in West Coast cities heated up on Tuesday after former San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin and a wide range of social service nonprofits warned the highly anticipated decision could cause drastic harm to those living on the streets.

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The debate over a forthcoming U.S. Supreme Court ruling that could have far-reaching implications for homelessness in West Coast cities heated up on Tuesday after former San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin and a wide range of social service nonprofits warned the highly anticipated decision could cause drastic harm to those living on the streets.

In an amicus brief, or “friend of the court” filing submitted this week, a broad swath of the city’s homelessness advocates, officials in the Public Defender’s Office and labor unions asserted that the possible reversal of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in Johnson v. Grants Pass would criminalize poor and vulnerable residents.

In an amicus brief, or “friend of the court” filing submitted this week, a broad swath of the city’s homelessness advocates, officials in the Public Defender’s Office and labor unions asserted that the possible reversal of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in Johnson v. Grants Pass would criminalize poor and vulnerable residents.

The legal battle centers on the Ninth Circuit’s ruling that homeless residents have the right to camp outside if shelter space is unavailable. In January, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to review the appellate decision, and oral arguments are set for later this month. A decision is expected in late June.

The legal battle centers on the Ninth Circuit’s ruling that homeless residents have the right to camp outside if shelter space is unavailable. In January, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to review the appellate decision, and oral arguments are set for later this month. A decision is expected in late June.

The filing comes in direct opposition to the City of San Francisco and Gov. Gavin Newsom’s position on the ruling—both of whom say local governments need to have more flexibility when dealing with homelessness. In March, City Attorney David Chiu <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/01/san-francisco-urges-supreme-court-to-overturn-homelessness-ruling/">submitted his own amicus brief</a>, arguing San Francisco officials needed to balance the billions spent combating homelessness with the ability to clear encampments in public spaces like sidewalks.&nbsp;

San Francisco urges Supreme Court to overturn homelessness ruling

The filing comes in direct opposition to the City of San Francisco and Gov. Gavin Newsom’s position on the ruling—both of whom say local governments need to have more flexibility when dealing with homelessness. In March, City Attorney David Chiu <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/01/san-francisco-urges-supreme-court-to-overturn-homelessness-ruling/">submitted his own amicus brief</a>, arguing San Francisco officials needed to balance the billions spent combating homelessness with the ability to clear encampments in public spaces like sidewalks.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Boudin appeared to predict how the decision would unfold at the high court, which has leaned conservative for years on issues like abortion. Legal observers believe it’s likely the Supreme Court could overturn or reverse key aspects of the Ninth Circuit’s positions on homelessness. 

On Tuesday, Boudin appeared to predict how the decision would unfold at the high court, which has leaned conservative for years on issues like abortion. Legal observers believe it’s likely the Supreme Court could overturn or reverse key aspects of the Ninth Circuit’s positions on homelessness.

San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin at a press conference on November 23, 2021 in San Francisco, Calif. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/FentanylConvictionsBoudin_FEATURED-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a dark suit stands solemnly with a focused gaze amidst a dimly lit room, flanked by a masked woman holding papers and a uniformed officer." class="wp-image-50478"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Former San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin is warning the outcome of the forthcoming U.S. Supreme Court case related to homelessness could hurt the city&#8217;s most vulnerable. | Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/FentanylConvictionsBoudin_FEATURED-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a dark suit stands solemnly with a focused gaze amidst a dimly lit room, flanked by a masked woman holding papers and a uniformed officer." class="wp-image-50478"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Former San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin is warning the outcome of the forthcoming U.S. Supreme Court case related to homelessness could hurt the city's most vulnerable. | Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/FentanylConvictionsBoudin_FEATURED-scaled.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man in a dark suit stands solemnly with a focused gaze amidst a dimly lit room, flanked by a masked woman holding papers and a uniformed officer." class="wp-image-50478"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Former San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin is warning the outcome of the forthcoming U.S. Supreme Court case related to homelessness could hurt the city&#8217;s most vulnerable. | Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

“The stakes are extremely high in the case pending before the Supreme Court,” said Boudin, who was recalled in 2022, at a virtual press conference. “We all know what the likely outcome is supposed to be.”

“The stakes are extremely high in the case pending before the Supreme Court,” said Boudin, who was recalled in 2022, at a virtual press conference. “We all know what the likely outcome is supposed to be.”

The 51-page amicus brief filed by advocates paints a long history of California cities repeatedly failing to address poverty and housing shortages while treating the issue of homelessness with disregard for individuals’ constitutional rights.

The 51-page amicus brief filed by advocates paints a long history of California cities repeatedly failing to address poverty and housing shortages while treating the issue of homelessness with disregard for individuals’ constitutional rights.

“California cities intend to cleanse themselves of their own hardworking residents rather than take accountability for a housing crisis they created,” the <a href="https://lccrsf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/23-175-LCCRSF-Amici-Brief.pdf">filing</a> states. “This form of public banishment harkens the draconian penalties of Ancient Greece and was repudiated across the United States long ago.”

“California cities intend to cleanse themselves of their own hardworking residents rather than take accountability for a housing crisis they created,” the <a href="https://lccrsf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/23-175-LCCRSF-Amici-Brief.pdf">filing</a> states. “This form of public banishment harkens the draconian penalties of Ancient Greece and was repudiated across the United States long ago.”

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Others who signed the brief include San Francisco Public Defender Mano Raju, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, the San Francisco Tenants Union and Larkin Street Youth Services.

Others who signed the brief include San Francisco Public Defender Mano Raju, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, the San Francisco Tenants Union and Larkin Street Youth Services.

The outcome of the high court’s decision comes as San Francisco deals with its own legal battles with homelessness advocates. In 2022, the Coalition on Homelessness filed a lawsuit against the city, arguing that local officials had illegally destroyed homelessness encampments without providing an alternative shelter option.

The outcome of the high court’s decision comes as San Francisco deals with its own legal battles with homelessness advocates. In 2022, the Coalition on Homelessness filed a lawsuit against the city, arguing that local officials had illegally destroyed homelessness encampments without providing an alternative shelter option.

In February, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/23/san-francisco-homelessness-lawsuit-paused/">a federal magistrate judge agreed to pause the legal case</a> until the Supreme Court’s ruling is made. However, a temporary injunction issued against the city that limits it from enforcing sitting, lying or lodging in the street stays in place.

Judge pauses San Francisco homelessness lawsuit pending Supreme Court ruling

In February, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/23/san-francisco-homelessness-lawsuit-paused/">a federal magistrate judge agreed to pause the legal case</a> until the Supreme Court’s ruling is made. However, a temporary injunction issued against the city that limits it from enforcing sitting, lying or lodging in the street stays in place.

Chesa Boudin, homeless activists decry possible U.S. Supreme Court decision: ‘draconian’

Joe Burn

Humboldt County officials voted Tuesday to send a letter raising the alarm about San Francisco’s plans to bus homeless people out of the city.&nbsp;

Humboldt County officials voted Tuesday to send a letter raising the alarm about San Francisco’s plans to bus homeless people out of the city.&nbsp;

San Francisco recently ramped up its <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/01/mayor-san-francisco-homeless-bus-tickets-order/">effort to offer homeless people bus tickets</a> out of town as part of its Journey Home program. Humboldt is among the top three California counties requested as destinations. County supervisors learned of this from reporting in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/06/journey-home-data/">The Standard</a>.

Mayor issues homeless order: Bus tickets before anything as shelters near full

SF plans to bus more homeless people out of town. Here&#8217;s where they&#8217;ve already been sent

San Francisco recently ramped up its <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/01/mayor-san-francisco-homeless-bus-tickets-order/">effort to offer homeless people bus tickets</a> out of town as part of its Journey Home program. Humboldt is among the top three California counties requested as destinations. County supervisors learned of this from reporting in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/06/journey-home-data/">The Standard</a>.

“We were dismayed to learn that our small, rural county was among the top three destinations in the state where people experiencing homelessness were sent by the program,” states a draft of the <a href="https://humboldt.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=13240803&amp;GUID=A5A5C605-DEB4-4BF2-8A68-77CD13751CD1">letter</a> to San Francisco Mayor London Breed that can be seen on the Humboldt County website.

“We were dismayed to learn that our small, rural county was among the top three destinations in the state where people experiencing homelessness were sent by the program,” states a draft of the <a href="https://humboldt.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=13240803&amp;GUID=A5A5C605-DEB4-4BF2-8A68-77CD13751CD1">letter</a> to San Francisco Mayor London Breed that can be seen on the Humboldt County website.

Los Angeles and Sacramento counties are the two other most popular California destinations, according to SF’s Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing and the Human Services Agency.

Los Angeles and Sacramento counties are the two other most popular California destinations, according to SF’s Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing and the Human Services Agency.

But new data obtained by The Standard from Humboldt’s own <a href="https://humboldtgov.org/530/Transportation-Assistance-Program">relocation program</a> show that the county’s homeless people were bused to San Francisco on four occasions between October and March. Since August 2023, Humboldt has also sent homeless people to other Bay Area locations, such as San Rafael, Napa County, Santa Cruz, and Petaluma.

But new data obtained by The Standard from Humboldt’s own <a href="https://humboldtgov.org/530/Transportation-Assistance-Program">relocation program</a> show that the county’s homeless people were bused to San Francisco on four occasions between October and March. Since August 2023, Humboldt has also sent homeless people to other Bay Area locations, such as San Rafael, Napa County, Santa Cruz, and Petaluma.

Humboldt’s Transportation Assistance Program, or TAP, provides relocation services to individuals and families who request assistance with moving. According to the program’s website, social services staffers verify that those who use TAP will be received at their destination by a relative, friend, or appropriate agency.&nbsp;

Humboldt’s Transportation Assistance Program, or TAP, provides relocation services to individuals and families who request assistance with moving. According to the program’s website, social services staffers verify that those who use TAP will be received at their destination by a relative, friend, or appropriate agency.&nbsp;

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“We are concerned that providing bus tickets to other jurisdictions without verifying access to housing, family support or employment does not alleviate homelessness; it simply shifts the person to another county,” Humboldt’s letter says. “We urge you to ensure that Journey Home participants have the support they need to obtain housing and employment before they receive transportation assistance to Humboldt County. Let’s act together in partnership to alleviate homelessness throughout our state.”&nbsp;

“We are concerned that providing bus tickets to other jurisdictions without verifying access to housing, family support or employment does not alleviate homelessness; it simply shifts the person to another county,” Humboldt’s letter says. “We urge you to ensure that Journey Home participants have the support they need to obtain housing and employment before they receive transportation assistance to Humboldt County. Let’s act together in partnership to alleviate homelessness throughout our state.”&nbsp;

Paul Boden, a homeless advocate with the Western Regional Advocacy Project, said the strategy of busing unhoused people out of town dates back to the 1960s, when welfare agencies offered bus tickets to previously institutionalized people in exchange for a signed pledge not to return for a year — a process that was known as “Greyhound therapy.”&nbsp;

Paul Boden, a homeless advocate with the Western Regional Advocacy Project, said the strategy of busing unhoused people out of town dates back to the 1960s, when welfare agencies offered bus tickets to previously institutionalized people in exchange for a signed pledge not to return for a year — a process that was known as “Greyhound therapy.”&nbsp;

“The aim isn’t to achieve a goal. It’s to get you out of our town, and it&#8217;s cheaper than arresting you,” Boden said. “The No. 1 answer to homelessness is to make them disappear. Then mayors write letters back and forth: ‘Stop sending your people here.’ Then it turns out they&#8217;re sending their people here. It shows the ridiculousness of us not trying to address why people are on the streets.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The aim isn’t to achieve a goal. It’s to get you out of our town, and it's cheaper than arresting you,” Boden said. “The No. 1 answer to homelessness is to make them disappear. Then mayors write letters back and forth: ‘Stop sending your people here.’ Then it turns out they're sending their people here. It shows the ridiculousness of us not trying to address why people are on the streets.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The aim isn’t to achieve a goal. It’s to get you out of our town, and it&#8217;s cheaper than arresting you,” Boden said. “The No. 1 answer to homelessness is to make them disappear. Then mayors write letters back and forth: ‘Stop sending your people here.’ Then it turns out they&#8217;re sending their people here. It shows the ridiculousness of us not trying to address why people are on the streets.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

SF plans to bus more homeless people out of town. Here’s where they’ve already been sent

When asked for comment, the San Francisco mayor’s office said it had not received the letter. Humboldt supervisors voted to send a revised version of the letter; the county did not provide a copy to The Standard.&nbsp;

When asked for comment, the San Francisco mayor’s office said it had not received the letter. Humboldt supervisors voted to send a revised version of the letter; the county did not provide a copy to The Standard.&nbsp;

“Our TAP program works really well, and hopefully San Francisco can go back to more — not just dumping — but assisting and actually helping people get help,” Humboldt Supervisor Rex Bohn said at Tuesday’s board meeting. 

“Our TAP program works really well, and hopefully San Francisco can go back to more — not just dumping — but assisting and actually helping people get help,” Humboldt Supervisor Rex Bohn said at Tuesday’s board meeting.

Humboldt ‘dismayed’ with SF homeless bus program. Turns out they bus people here too

The Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling on Friday that allows U.S. cities to carry out stricter rules on public camping, a decision that’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/22/san-francisco-homelessness-us-supreme-court-grants-pass/">expected to result in on-the-ground changes in San Francisco</a> where street conditions have long defined political debate and the city&#8217;s reputation nationally.

U.S. Supreme Court case could transform San Francisco homeless policy

The Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling on Friday that allows U.S. cities to carry out stricter rules on public camping, a decision that’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/22/san-francisco-homelessness-us-supreme-court-grants-pass/">expected to result in on-the-ground changes in San Francisco</a> where street conditions have long defined political debate and the city's reputation nationally.

The Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling on Friday that allows U.S. cities to carry out stricter rules on public camping, a decision that’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/22/san-francisco-homelessness-us-supreme-court-grants-pass/">expected to result in on-the-ground changes in San Francisco</a> where street conditions have long defined political debate and the city&#8217;s reputation nationally.

In a 6-3 decision along partisan lines, justices overturned a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that had barred the Oregon city of Grants Pass from enforcing rules against homeless people sleeping outside that advocates argued violated the Eighth Amendment’s “cruel and unusual punishment” clause.

In a 6-3 decision along partisan lines, justices overturned a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that had barred the Oregon city of Grants Pass from enforcing rules against homeless people sleeping outside that advocates argued violated the Eighth Amendment’s “cruel and unusual punishment” clause.

In a blistering rejection of homeless advocates&#8217; claims that the Oregon city&#8217;s laws were a violation of the Eighth Amendment, the conservative Supreme Court justices determined that &#8220;homelessness is complex. It&#8217;s causes are many. So may be the public policy responses required to address it.&#8221;

In a blistering rejection of homeless advocates' claims that the Oregon city's laws were a violation of the Eighth Amendment, the conservative Supreme Court justices determined that "homelessness is complex. It's causes are many. So may be the public policy responses required to address it."

In a blistering rejection of homeless advocates&#8217; claims that the Oregon city&#8217;s laws were a violation of the Eighth Amendment, the conservative Supreme Court justices determined that &#8220;homelessness is complex. It&#8217;s causes are many. So may be the public policy responses required to address it.&#8221;

&#8220;A handful of federal judges cannot begin to &#8216;match&#8217; the collective wisdom the American people possess in deciding &#8216;how best to handle&#8217; a pressing social question like homelessness,&#8221; stated the opinion, delivered by Justice Neil Gorsuch. &#8220;The Constitution’s Eighth Amendment serves many important functions, but it does not authorize federal judges to wrest those rights and responsibilities from the American people and in their place dictate this Nation’s homelessness policy.&#8221;

"A handful of federal judges cannot begin to 'match' the collective wisdom the American people possess in deciding 'how best to handle' a pressing social question like homelessness," stated the opinion, delivered by Justice Neil Gorsuch. "The Constitution’s Eighth Amendment serves many important functions, but it does not authorize federal judges to wrest those rights and responsibilities from the American people and in their place dictate this Nation’s homelessness policy."

&#8220;A handful of federal judges cannot begin to &#8216;match&#8217; the collective wisdom the American people possess in deciding &#8216;how best to handle&#8217; a pressing social question like homelessness,&#8221; stated the opinion, delivered by Justice Neil Gorsuch. &#8220;The Constitution’s Eighth Amendment serves many important functions, but it does not authorize federal judges to wrest those rights and responsibilities from the American people and in their place dictate this Nation’s homelessness policy.&#8221;

In a dissenting opinion, Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote, &#8220;Sleep is a biological necessity, not a crime &#8230; For people with no access to shelter, that punishes them for being homeless. That is unconscionable and unconstitutional.&#8221;

In a dissenting opinion, Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote, "Sleep is a biological necessity, not a crime ... For people with no access to shelter, that punishes them for being homeless. That is unconscionable and unconstitutional."

In a dissenting opinion, Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote, &#8220;Sleep is a biological necessity, not a crime &#8230; For people with no access to shelter, that punishes them for being homeless. That is unconscionable and unconstitutional.&#8221;

The ruling&#8217;s effects weren’t immediately clear on Friday. However, encampment sweeps will likely become easier for American cities to carry out.

The ruling's effects weren’t immediately clear on Friday. However, encampment sweeps will likely become easier for American cities to carry out.

The ruling&#8217;s effects weren’t immediately clear on Friday. However, encampment sweeps will likely become easier for American cities to carry out.

Street encampments have become a symbol of homelessness and destitution in San Francisco and other U.S. cities—and the ruling may open the door for new rules restricting where people can sleep on public property.

Street encampments have become a symbol of homelessness and destitution in San Francisco and other U.S. cities—and the ruling may open the door for new rules restricting where people can sleep on public property.

Changes to San Francisco&#8217;s homelessness policies

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-to-san-francisco-s-homelessness-policies">Changes to San Francisco&#8217;s homelessness policies </h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-to-san-francisco-s-homelessness-policies">Changes to San Francisco's homelessness policies </h2>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-to-san-francisco-s-homelessness-policies">Changes to San Francisco&#8217;s homelessness policies </h2>

Officials told The Standard that San Francisco&#8217;s policies regarding shelter wouldn&#8217;t stop, and the overall strategy of offering services will stay intact. That differs from a city like Grants Pass, which passed highly punitive laws against sleeping in public which faced legal challenges over the years that eventually reached the Supreme Court.

Officials told The Standard that San Francisco's policies regarding shelter wouldn't stop, and the overall strategy of offering services will stay intact. That differs from a city like Grants Pass, which passed highly punitive laws against sleeping in public which faced legal challenges over the years that eventually reached the Supreme Court.

Officials told The Standard that San Francisco&#8217;s policies regarding shelter wouldn&#8217;t stop, and the overall strategy of offering services will stay intact. That differs from a city like Grants Pass, which passed highly punitive laws against sleeping in public which faced legal challenges over the years that eventually reached the Supreme Court.

But some on-the-ground changes could happen in San Francisco. For example, officials said outreach teams that encounter encampments in the city may now be able to clear them after simply asking inhabitants whether they would like to enter a shelter. Today, those teams must make other determinations, such as whether an individual is involuntarily homeless. Officials said the high court&#8217;s ruling could change that.

But some on-the-ground changes could happen in San Francisco. For example, officials said outreach teams that encounter encampments in the city may now be able to clear them after simply asking inhabitants whether they would like to enter a shelter. Today, those teams must make other determinations, such as whether an individual is involuntarily homeless. Officials said the high court's ruling could change that.

But some on-the-ground changes could happen in San Francisco. For example, officials said outreach teams that encounter encampments in the city may now be able to clear them after simply asking inhabitants whether they would like to enter a shelter. Today, those teams must make other determinations, such as whether an individual is involuntarily homeless. Officials said the high court&#8217;s ruling could change that.

Broadcast reporters film Mayor London Breed speaking about the recent Supreme Court ruling which will allow for the city to crack down on homelessness in San Francisco, in the San Francisco City Hall on Friday, June 28, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240620-scotushomelessness-tv0211.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a blue dress speaks at a podium with several microphones bearing news logos, inside a grand building with red carpet and wooden doors. Two people are recording her." class="wp-image-286725"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">At a press conference on Friday, Mayor London Breed said the city would take an increasingly strict stance on homeless encampments, penalties that include citations and possible arrests.</figcaption></figure>

Mayor London Breed said the city won&#8217;t tolerate instances where homeless individuals reject shelter.

Mayor London Breed said the city won't tolerate instances where homeless individuals reject shelter.

Mayor London Breed said the city won&#8217;t tolerate instances where homeless individuals reject shelter.

&#8220;There are many people struggling on our streets with addiction and mental illness, and our outreach workers will offer access to treatment while we also work to compel those who are the sickest into care through new tools like expanded conservatorship,&#8221; she said. &#8220;But those who refuse our help or those who already have shelter will not be allowed to camp on our streets. It’s not healthy, safe, or compassionate for people on the street and it’s not acceptable for our neighborhoods.&#8221;

"There are many people struggling on our streets with addiction and mental illness, and our outreach workers will offer access to treatment while we also work to compel those who are the sickest into care through new tools like expanded conservatorship," she said. "But those who refuse our help or those who already have shelter will not be allowed to camp on our streets. It’s not healthy, safe, or compassionate for people on the street and it’s not acceptable for our neighborhoods."

&#8220;There are many people struggling on our streets with addiction and mental illness, and our outreach workers will offer access to treatment while we also work to compel those who are the sickest into care through new tools like expanded conservatorship,&#8221; she said. &#8220;But those who refuse our help or those who already have shelter will not be allowed to camp on our streets. It’s not healthy, safe, or compassionate for people on the street and it’s not acceptable for our neighborhoods.&#8221;

Politically, the ruling is a major victory for San Francisco’s moderate elected officials and concerned residents, who have taken an increasingly hard stance on homelessness in recent years.&nbsp;

Politically, the ruling is a major victory for San Francisco’s moderate elected officials and concerned residents, who have taken an increasingly hard stance on homelessness in recent years.&nbsp;

Fierce opposition to the ruling from a long list of local advocacy groups is all but certain. Executive Director of the Coalition on Homelessness Jennifer Friedenbach, one of the city&#8217;s most influential advocates for unhoused residents, called the Supreme Court&#8217;s decision a &#8220;real kick in the knees&#8221; to people on the streets in an interview.

Fierce opposition to the ruling from a long list of local advocacy groups is all but certain. Executive Director of the Coalition on Homelessness Jennifer Friedenbach, one of the city's most influential advocates for unhoused residents, called the Supreme Court's decision a "real kick in the knees" to people on the streets in an interview.

Fierce opposition to the ruling from a long list of local advocacy groups is all but certain. Executive Director of the Coalition on Homelessness Jennifer Friedenbach, one of the city&#8217;s most influential advocates for unhoused residents, called the Supreme Court&#8217;s decision a &#8220;real kick in the knees&#8221; to people on the streets in an interview.

&#8220;This decision basically says that it is okay to cite and arrest people who are too poor to afford the rent and have no choice but to sleep on the street,&#8221; said Friedenbach. &#8220;No amount of arrests will lead people off the streets. It just exacerbates homelessness.&#8221;

"This decision basically says that it is okay to cite and arrest people who are too poor to afford the rent and have no choice but to sleep on the street," said Friedenbach. "No amount of arrests will lead people off the streets. It just exacerbates homelessness."

&#8220;This decision basically says that it is okay to cite and arrest people who are too poor to afford the rent and have no choice but to sleep on the street,&#8221; said Friedenbach. &#8220;No amount of arrests will lead people off the streets. It just exacerbates homelessness.&#8221;

Critics of the ruling are expected to argue that the court&#8217;s decision won&#8217;t impact the deeper-rooted issues of the crisis facing San Francisco&#8217;s streets, like affordable housing.

Critics of the ruling are expected to argue that the court's decision won't impact the deeper-rooted issues of the crisis facing San Francisco's streets, like affordable housing.

Critics of the ruling are expected to argue that the court&#8217;s decision won&#8217;t impact the deeper-rooted issues of the crisis facing San Francisco&#8217;s streets, like affordable housing.

A San Francisco Department of Public Works employee disinfects the street during a homeless encampment sweep, now referred to as an “encampment resolution”, along Dore Alley in San Francisco on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20240201_sfs_homelesssweep_0157.jpg?w=2500" alt="A worker in protective gear pressure-washes a street emitting steam, near graffiti-covered walls and parked cars, while onlookers, some in reflective vests, observe." class="wp-image-245688"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A DPW staffer cleans the street during a homeless encampment sweep, now called an “encampment resolution,” along Dore Alley in San Francisco in February.</figcaption></figure>

At the Supreme Court, petitioners <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/23/san-francisco-homelessness-lawsuit-paused/">argued</a> that federal courts had overstepped in preventing cities from combatting homelessness, stating in previous oral arguments that the Ninth Circuit’s &#8220;failed experiment&#8221; had fueled the spread of encampments while &#8220;harming those it purports to protect.&#8221; Those seeking to uphold the appeals court ruling have said petitioners want to criminalize homelessness or are pushing the homeless problem around through sweeps.

At the Supreme Court, petitioners <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/23/san-francisco-homelessness-lawsuit-paused/">argued</a> that federal courts had overstepped in preventing cities from combatting homelessness, stating in previous oral arguments that the Ninth Circuit’s "failed experiment" had fueled the spread of encampments while "harming those it purports to protect." Those seeking to uphold the appeals court ruling have said petitioners want to criminalize homelessness or are pushing the homeless problem around through sweeps.

At the Supreme Court, petitioners <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/23/san-francisco-homelessness-lawsuit-paused/">argued</a> that federal courts had overstepped in preventing cities from combatting homelessness, stating in previous oral arguments that the Ninth Circuit’s &#8220;failed experiment&#8221; had fueled the spread of encampments while &#8220;harming those it purports to protect.&#8221; Those seeking to uphold the appeals court ruling have said petitioners want to criminalize homelessness or are pushing the homeless problem around through sweeps.

The Coalition on Homelessness&#8217; lawsuit against San Francisco will now proceed after a federal magistrate judge <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/23/san-francisco-homelessness-lawsuit-paused/">paused the case</a> until after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision.&nbsp;

The Coalition on Homelessness' lawsuit against San Francisco will now proceed after a federal magistrate judge <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/23/san-francisco-homelessness-lawsuit-paused/">paused the case</a> until after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision.&nbsp;

The Coalition on Homelessness&#8217; lawsuit against San Francisco will now proceed after a federal magistrate judge <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/02/23/san-francisco-homelessness-lawsuit-paused/">paused the case</a> until after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision.&nbsp;

The coalition&#8217;s claims about the Eighth Amendment will likely be impacted by the Supreme Court&#8217;s decision. That includes an injunction that restricts how the city can sweep encampments. Other claims about the Fourth Amendment—how San Francisco can handle homeless people&#8217;s property—will continue to be hashed out locally.

The coalition's claims about the Eighth Amendment will likely be impacted by the Supreme Court's decision. That includes an injunction that restricts how the city can sweep encampments. Other claims about the Fourth Amendment—how San Francisco can handle homeless people's property—will continue to be hashed out locally.

The coalition&#8217;s claims about the Eighth Amendment will likely be impacted by the Supreme Court&#8217;s decision. That includes an injunction that restricts how the city can sweep encampments. Other claims about the Fourth Amendment—how San Francisco can handle homeless people&#8217;s property—will continue to be hashed out locally.

Read the U.S. Supreme Court decision:

Read the U.S. Supreme Court decision:

Nisha Kashyap, one of the lead attorneys representing advocates in the lawsuit against the city, said she expects the Supreme Court&#8217;s decision to potentially nullify the local injunction.

Nisha Kashyap, one of the lead attorneys representing advocates in the lawsuit against the city, said she expects the Supreme Court's decision to potentially nullify the local injunction.

Nisha Kashyap, one of the lead attorneys representing advocates in the lawsuit against the city, said she expects the Supreme Court&#8217;s decision to potentially nullify the local injunction.

&#8220;I think many folks are deeply concerned about this decision,&#8221; said Kashyap. &#8220;It’s important that San Francisco doesn’t interpret this as a way to crack down on people who don’t have anywhere else to go. I think that would be a grave mistake.&#8221;

"I think many folks are deeply concerned about this decision," said Kashyap. "It’s important that San Francisco doesn’t interpret this as a way to crack down on people who don’t have anywhere else to go. I think that would be a grave mistake."

&#8220;I think many folks are deeply concerned about this decision,&#8221; said Kashyap. &#8220;It’s important that San Francisco doesn’t interpret this as a way to crack down on people who don’t have anywhere else to go. I think that would be a grave mistake.&#8221;

The coalition&#8217;s suit was filed in September 2022 and accused the city of violating the law by destroying homeless people&#8217;s property without offering alternative shelter.

The coalition's suit was filed in September 2022 and accused the city of violating the law by destroying homeless people's property without offering alternative shelter.

The coalition&#8217;s suit was filed in September 2022 and accused the city of violating the law by destroying homeless people&#8217;s property without offering alternative shelter.

“San Francisco has and will continue to take a compassionate, services-first approach to addressing our homelessness crisis,&#8221; said City Attorney David Chiu in a statement. &#8220;It will take time to analyze this decision and chart a path forward to change policies on the ground and ensure our litigation catches up with the Supreme Court’s decision today.&#8221;

“San Francisco has and will continue to take a compassionate, services-first approach to addressing our homelessness crisis," said City Attorney David Chiu in a statement. "It will take time to analyze this decision and chart a path forward to change policies on the ground and ensure our litigation catches up with the Supreme Court’s decision today."

“San Francisco has and will continue to take a compassionate, services-first approach to addressing our homelessness crisis,&#8221; said City Attorney David Chiu in a statement. &#8220;It will take time to analyze this decision and chart a path forward to change policies on the ground and ensure our litigation catches up with the Supreme Court’s decision today.&#8221;

In a statement, Gov. Gavin Newsom said the Supreme Court&#8217;s ruling &#8220;removes the legal ambiguities that have tied the hands of local officials for years.&#8221;

In a statement, Gov. Gavin Newsom said the Supreme Court's ruling "removes the legal ambiguities that have tied the hands of local officials for years."

In a statement, Gov. Gavin Newsom said the Supreme Court&#8217;s ruling &#8220;removes the legal ambiguities that have tied the hands of local officials for years.&#8221;

&#8220;California remains committed to respecting the dignity and fundamental human needs of all people and the state will continue to work with compassion to provide individuals experiencing homelessness with the resources they need to better their lives,&#8221; Newsom said.

"California remains committed to respecting the dignity and fundamental human needs of all people and the state will continue to work with compassion to provide individuals experiencing homelessness with the resources they need to better their lives," Newsom said.

&#8220;California remains committed to respecting the dignity and fundamental human needs of all people and the state will continue to work with compassion to provide individuals experiencing homelessness with the resources they need to better their lives,&#8221; Newsom said.

Homeless sweeps could ramp up in SF after major Supreme Court ruling

David Sjostedt

Politicians from other California counties are pointing the finger at San Francisco for the rise in homeless issues they’re experiencing. Antioch Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe <a href="https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/antioch-san-francisco-oakland-homelessness/3642319/">told news outlets last week</a> that his city has seen an uptick in homeless people coming from San Francisco, which in July embarked on a program of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/30/san-francisco-aggressive-homeless-camp-sweeps-begin/">aggressive encampment sweeps</a>, and Oakland, declaring Antioch “won’t be a dumping ground.”&nbsp;

&#8216;Aggressive&#8217; homeless camp sweeps begin in San Francisco

Politicians from other California counties are pointing the finger at San Francisco for the rise in homeless issues they’re experiencing. Antioch Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe <a href="https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/antioch-san-francisco-oakland-homelessness/3642319/">told news outlets last week</a> that his city has seen an uptick in homeless people coming from San Francisco, which in July embarked on a program of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/30/san-francisco-aggressive-homeless-camp-sweeps-begin/">aggressive encampment sweeps</a>, and Oakland, declaring Antioch “won’t be a dumping ground.”&nbsp;

The Standard spoke with seven homeless people in Antioch, none of whom had moved from San Francisco — or knew of anyone who had. And housed residents were split on the mayor’s comments, with some saying homelessness has surged locally while others disputed any change. Michael Stevens, a homeless man taking shelter from the summer heat on Antioch’s Second Street last week, said he was born and raised there. Stevens said he has noticed more people living on Antioch’s streets in recent years, but that he hasn’t met anyone from San Francisco. Stevens thought Hernandez-Thorpe was trying to shift the blame for his city’s failure to help impoverished people, saying there are limited resources in Antioch for people like himself.

The Standard spoke with seven homeless people in Antioch, none of whom had moved from San Francisco — or knew of anyone who had. And housed residents were split on the mayor’s comments, with some saying homelessness has surged locally while others disputed any change. Michael Stevens, a homeless man taking shelter from the summer heat on Antioch’s Second Street last week, said he was born and raised there. Stevens said he has noticed more people living on Antioch’s streets in recent years, but that he hasn’t met anyone from San Francisco. Stevens thought Hernandez-Thorpe was trying to shift the blame for his city’s failure to help impoverished people, saying there are limited resources in Antioch for people like himself.

“I think he’s a punk, and I don’t use that word lightly,” Stevens said of the Antioch mayor. “Most of us were born here, he wasn’t.”

“I think he’s a punk, and I don’t use that word lightly,” Stevens said of the Antioch mayor. “Most of us were born here, he wasn’t.”

Bodies in streets, parks, buses: The everyday horror of stumbling on an overdose victim

Ayline Chavira Ayala, who has lived in Antioch her whole life, said she sees the same number of tents, homeless people, and RVs as before.

Ayline Chavira Ayala, who has lived in Antioch her whole life, said she sees the same number of tents, homeless people, and RVs as before.

“Honestly, it looks the same to me,” Ayala said. “It’s not too bad.”

“Honestly, it looks the same to me,” Ayala said. “It’s not too bad.”

But others say an increase in homelessness has made the streets less safe for their children. Unsheltered homelessness increased by 40% in Antioch from 2020 to 2023, <a href="https://www.cityofconcord.org/DocumentCenter/View/9737/2023-Point-In-Time-">according to the federally mandated Point in Time count</a>.

But others say an increase in homelessness has made the streets less safe for their children. Unsheltered homelessness increased by 40% in Antioch from 2020 to 2023, <a href="https://www.cityofconcord.org/DocumentCenter/View/9737/2023-Point-In-Time-">according to the federally mandated Point in Time count</a>.

Deandra Brown, who’s lived in Antioch for 10 years, said she’s noticed a dramatic increase in homeless encampments and crime in the past six months. She specifically said she’s seen an increase in people siphoning gas from parked cars. “They are on every corner now,” Brown said. “It’s definitely getting hard to maintain our livelihood.”&nbsp;

Deandra Brown, who’s lived in Antioch for 10 years, said she’s noticed a dramatic increase in homeless encampments and crime in the past six months. She specifically said she’s seen an increase in people siphoning gas from parked cars. “They are on every corner now,” Brown said. “It’s definitely getting hard to maintain our livelihood.”&nbsp;

Wesley Smetzer-Van Pelt, a 33-year-old project manager and lifelong Antioch resident, said homeless camps have become more visible near freeway overpasses and big shopping centers.

Wesley Smetzer-Van Pelt, a 33-year-old project manager and lifelong Antioch resident, said homeless camps have become more visible near freeway overpasses and big shopping centers.

“There&#8217;s a ton of homeless out there. I don&#8217;t know where they&#8217;re coming from, but it&#8217;s increased five times in the last month and a half,” Smetzer-Van Pelt said over the phone. “Mainly it’s tents. They keep moving RVs out of there, they set up shop, 20 or 30 of ’em, then they come and kick ’em all out.”

“There's a ton of homeless out there. I don't know where they're coming from, but it's increased five times in the last month and a half,” Smetzer-Van Pelt said over the phone. “Mainly it’s tents. They keep moving RVs out of there, they set up shop, 20 or 30 of ’em, then they come and kick ’em all out.”

“There&#8217;s a ton of homeless out there. I don&#8217;t know where they&#8217;re coming from, but it&#8217;s increased five times in the last month and a half,” Smetzer-Van Pelt said over the phone. “Mainly it’s tents. They keep moving RVs out of there, they set up shop, 20 or 30 of ’em, then they come and kick ’em all out.”

Parisa Safarzadeh, a spokesperson for Mayor London Breed, said data shows San Francisco hasn’t sent a single homeless person to Antioch since at least 2023. Safarzadeh also said San Francisco provides more housing for formerly homeless people than any other city in the Bay Area. “Right now, cities need to be working together to find solutions, not point fingers,” Safarzadeh said. “We have available shelter and services, but we cannot force people to accept our offers. If people choose to accept offers to go elsewhere where they can prove there is a connection, then we will provide transportation to that location.”

Parisa Safarzadeh, a spokesperson for Mayor London Breed, said data shows San Francisco hasn’t sent a single homeless person to Antioch since at least 2023. Safarzadeh also said San Francisco provides more housing for formerly homeless people than any other city in the Bay Area. “Right now, cities need to be working together to find solutions, not point fingers,” Safarzadeh said. “We have available shelter and services, but we cannot force people to accept our offers. If people choose to accept offers to go elsewhere where they can prove there is a connection, then we will provide transportation to that location.”

Code Tenderloin community ambassadors hand out Narcan to a man on Mission Street during the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing’s biennial Point-in-Time Count of homeless and unhoused people on the street on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024 from 8PM to midnight. According to Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, the count covered all 47 square miles of San Francisco and used administrative data for people staying in City shelters, emergency shelters and transitional housing. The final report will include more detailed information about
people experiencing homelessness including demographics, veteran status, and chronic homelessness.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240126_homelesscountwewent_-2330.jpg?w=2500" alt="At night, a person in a white vest helps a seated man against a dark wall, handing him something. The seated man has bags near him, and a leafy tree is in the background." class="wp-image-309828"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A San Francisco outreach worker hands out an overdose reversal drug to a homeless man on Mission Street.</figcaption></figure>

In a phone interview, Hernandez-Thorpe said he didn’t intend to say that San Francisco was systematically sending homeless people to his city. However, he said, because Antioch is the last BART stop, homeless people often end up there when they face sweeps on the train lines in San Francisco or other cities. San Francisco began &#8220;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/30/san-francisco-aggressive-homeless-camp-sweeps-begin/">aggressively&#8221; sweeping homeless camps</a> without notice in late July after a U.S. Supreme Court decision gave cities more power to enforce laws. Hernandez-Thorpe said he’s noticed an uptick in the number of RVs parked downtown, and he met one homeless woman who claimed to be from San Francisco. He acknowledged that most of Antioch’s homeless people are from the city itself. <a href="https://www.cchealth.org/home/showpublisheddocument/10725/638273984449670000">Data from 2022</a> shows less than 1% of Contra Costa’s homeless population lost housing in San Francisco. “I did speak to a woman who was literally run out of San Francisco. Those were her words,” Hernandez-Thorpe said. “This isn’t breaking news. We&#8217;re at the end of the BART line. … There is going to be an impact on those of us who are basically a cul de sac for the Bay Area.”

In a phone interview, Hernandez-Thorpe said he didn’t intend to say that San Francisco was systematically sending homeless people to his city. However, he said, because Antioch is the last BART stop, homeless people often end up there when they face sweeps on the train lines in San Francisco or other cities. San Francisco began "<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/30/san-francisco-aggressive-homeless-camp-sweeps-begin/">aggressively" sweeping homeless camps</a> without notice in late July after a U.S. Supreme Court decision gave cities more power to enforce laws. Hernandez-Thorpe said he’s noticed an uptick in the number of RVs parked downtown, and he met one homeless woman who claimed to be from San Francisco. He acknowledged that most of Antioch’s homeless people are from the city itself. <a href="https://www.cchealth.org/home/showpublisheddocument/10725/638273984449670000">Data from 2022</a> shows less than 1% of Contra Costa’s homeless population lost housing in San Francisco. “I did speak to a woman who was literally run out of San Francisco. Those were her words,” Hernandez-Thorpe said. “This isn’t breaking news. We're at the end of the BART line. … There is going to be an impact on those of us who are basically a cul de sac for the Bay Area.”

In a phone interview, Hernandez-Thorpe said he didn’t intend to say that San Francisco was systematically sending homeless people to his city. However, he said, because Antioch is the last BART stop, homeless people often end up there when they face sweeps on the train lines in San Francisco or other cities. San Francisco began &#8220;<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/30/san-francisco-aggressive-homeless-camp-sweeps-begin/">aggressively&#8221; sweeping homeless camps</a> without notice in late July after a U.S. Supreme Court decision gave cities more power to enforce laws. Hernandez-Thorpe said he’s noticed an uptick in the number of RVs parked downtown, and he met one homeless woman who claimed to be from San Francisco. He acknowledged that most of Antioch’s homeless people are from the city itself. <a href="https://www.cchealth.org/home/showpublisheddocument/10725/638273984449670000">Data from 2022</a> shows less than 1% of Contra Costa’s homeless population lost housing in San Francisco. “I did speak to a woman who was literally run out of San Francisco. Those were her words,” Hernandez-Thorpe said. “This isn’t breaking news. We&#8217;re at the end of the BART line. … There is going to be an impact on those of us who are basically a cul de sac for the Bay Area.”

Where is San Francisco sending homeless people?

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-is-san-francisco-sending-homeless-people">Where is San Francisco sending homeless people?</h2>

Data obtained by The Standard in August <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/06/journey-home-data/">shows 25 homeless people were moved from San Francisco to other California counties</a> between September 2023 and Aug. 2. The city said Los Angeles, Humboldt, and Sacramento are the top three destinations but wouldn’t provide more detailed data.

Data obtained by The Standard in August <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/06/journey-home-data/">shows 25 homeless people were moved from San Francisco to other California counties</a> between September 2023 and Aug. 2. The city said Los Angeles, Humboldt, and Sacramento are the top three destinations but wouldn’t provide more detailed data.

Later in August, after reading The Standard’s coverage, city officials in Humboldt <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/22/homeless-humboldt-bus-san-francisco-other-states/">voted to send a letter to San Francisco</a> asking the city to ensure that homeless people are given proper support before being relocated.&nbsp;

Later in August, after reading The Standard’s coverage, city officials in Humboldt <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/22/homeless-humboldt-bus-san-francisco-other-states/">voted to send a letter to San Francisco</a> asking the city to ensure that homeless people are given proper support before being relocated.&nbsp;

“We are concerned that providing bus tickets to other jurisdictions without verifying access to housing, family support, or employment does not alleviate homelessness; it simply shifts the person to another county,” Humboldt’s letter to San Francisco said.

“We are concerned that providing bus tickets to other jurisdictions without verifying access to housing, family support, or employment does not alleviate homelessness; it simply shifts the person to another county,” Humboldt’s letter to San Francisco said.

The Standard then discovered that homeless people in Humboldt were bused to San Francisco on four occasions from October to March. Since August 2023, Humboldt has also sent homeless people to other Bay Area locations, including San Rafael, Napa County, Santa Cruz, and Petaluma.

The Standard then discovered that homeless people in Humboldt were bused to San Francisco on four occasions from October to March. Since August 2023, Humboldt has also sent homeless people to other Bay Area locations, including San Rafael, Napa County, Santa Cruz, and Petaluma.

A passenger at Greyhound bus terminal waits for a mechanic to fix a bus's flat tire in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. 
July 14, 2021. Greyhound Lines usually known as simply "Greyhound", is an intercity bus common carrier which serve around 3800 destinations across North America.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/inlined01_homewardboundnodata.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person in red shoes stands by a blue bus with a greyhound logo; luggage is visible underneath." class="wp-image-264661"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A passenger at a Greyhound bus terminal</figcaption></figure>

Humboldt Supervisor Rex Bohn defended the county’s relocation program, arguing that it moves people in a responsible manner. “Our TAP program works really well, and hopefully San Francisco can go back to more not just dumping but assisting and actually helping people get help,” Bohn said at a public meeting.

Humboldt Supervisor Rex Bohn defended the county’s relocation program, arguing that it moves people in a responsible manner. “Our TAP program works really well, and hopefully San Francisco can go back to more not just dumping but assisting and actually helping people get help,” Bohn said at a public meeting.

Chesa Boudin, homeless activists decry possible U.S. Supreme Court decision: ‘draconian’

Humboldt ‘dismayed’ with SF homeless bus program. Turns out they bus people here too

Homeless sweeps could ramp up in SF after major Supreme Court ruling

Antioch’s mayor blames SF for homeless problems. We visited to find out if it’s true

Opinion: Standard readers respond to Mayor Breed’s op-ed on homeless sweeps

Search Results for: homelessness

Chesa Boudin, homeless activists decry possible U.S. Supreme Court decision: ‘draconian’

Humboldt ‘dismayed’ with SF homeless bus program. Turns out they bus people here too

Homeless sweeps could ramp up in SF after major Supreme Court ruling

Antioch’s mayor blames SF for homeless problems. We visited to find out if it’s true

Opinion: Standard readers respond to Mayor Breed’s op-ed on homeless sweeps