Full Article by Lori Kersey | West Virginia Watch
A case headed to the U.S. Supreme Court could reshape how cities across the country—including here in West Virginia—respond to homelessness. The case, Johnson v. Grants Pass, challenges the constitutionality of camping bans when no shelter beds are available.
Charleston doesn’t currently prohibit public camping, but a ban was proposed in 2021. Advocates warn a Supreme Court ruling in favor of the city could encourage more restrictive local laws across the state.
SOAR WV joined other West Virginia organizations—including Project Rainbow, Morgantown RAMP, and the Kanawha Valley Collective—in signing a “friend of the court” brief opposing the criminalization of homelessness.
“I’m here to end homelessness, and criminalizing people because they’re not sleeping in a shelter or… in housing is just unthinkable to me,” said Traci Strickland, Director of the Kanawha Valley Collective.
The Court will hear oral arguments on April 22, with a decision expected by summer.
