On Friday, the Supreme Court issued a ruling that opens the door to fining and incarcerating individuals experiencing homelessness for sleeping outside. Waypoint is deeply disappointed in this decision. This ruling fails to acknowledge the harsh realities faced by many young people who have no other option but to sleep on the streets or in parks due to the shortage of shelter beds.
Punishing individuals for circumstances beyond their control does not address the root causes of homelessness. Instead, it exacerbates the challenges faced by an already vulnerable population. At Waypoint, we firmly believe that homelessness should be met with compassion and support, not with punitive measures.
We remain committed to serving and advocating for young people experiencing homelessness. Our mission is to provide not only shelter but also the resources and support needed to build a brighter future. This ruling underscores the urgency of our work and strengthens our resolve to fight for policies that prioritize humane and effective solutions to homelessness.
For more information on how you can support our efforts, please visit our Get Involved page.