Inside America's homeless encampment sweeps
On Point | Podcast
Deep Dive
Why are encampment sweeps becoming more common in U.S. cities?
Cities conduct sweeps to mitigate impacts on businesses and residents, keep sidewalks and public spaces clear, and address public health hazards caused by people living outside. They also hope sweeps will lead to shelter and housing for the homeless.
What percentage of homeless people in the U.S. have no secure accommodation?
40% of the 650,000 people experiencing homelessness have no secure accommodation, living on the streets, in tents, or in vehicles.
How did Stephanie become homeless in Portland, Oregon?
Stephanie lost her job, then her home, and moved around Portland, eventually setting up a tent camp in a secluded area near Johnson Creek in 2022.
What happened to Stephanie during the encampment sweep in Portland?
Stephanie lost irreplaceable items, including her fiancé's wedding engagement ring and wallet, as well as her food stamp card and money. She was left with nothing after the sweep.
How often do people reclaim their property after a sweep in Portland?
In a recent 12-month period, people reclaimed their property only 4% of the time after sweeps in Portland.
What is the 'Housing First' model, and why is it important?
The 'Housing First' model prioritizes providing stable housing to homeless individuals before addressing other issues like addiction or mental health. It is important because it stabilizes individuals, reducing trauma and making it easier to address other needs.
What was the impact of the Supreme Court's ruling in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson on encampment sweeps?
The Supreme Court ruled that enforcing laws against camping in public spaces is not cruel and unusual punishment, allowing cities to more aggressively enforce camping bans and conduct sweeps without violating the Eighth Amendment.
How has Denver's Mayor Mike Johnston addressed unsheltered homelessness?
Mayor Johnston launched 'House 1000,' moving 1,000 homeless residents indoors by the end of his first year in office. He also closed large encampments, provided transitional housing, and focused on rapid case management to move people into permanent housing.
What challenges do cities face in implementing the 'Housing First' model?
Cities face challenges in securing enough affordable housing units, convincing neighbors to allow shelters to be built, and ensuring that transitional housing is temporary and leads to permanent solutions.
What is the Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative's stance on encampment sweeps?
The initiative advocates for bringing people inside rather than using displacement-based strategies like sweeps, which move people around without solving the root causes of homelessness.
Shownotes Transcript