The ongoing debate over fining individuals for sleeping in public spaces is currently being deliberated by the Supreme Court in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson.

The case underscores a critical juncture in how we address homelessness. While the court’s decision will undoubtedly carry weight, it risks overshadowing the more pressing issue at hand: the urgent need for a more effective and humane approach to homelessness. 

Homelessness is not just a statistic — it is a human tragedy. According to the Housing and Urban Development’s annual count, the number of homeless individuals surged to 650,000 in January 2023, marking a 12 percent increase from the previous year. Behind these numbers lies a stark reality: Homelessness accelerates mortality rates, amplifies disability risks and burdens communities as public spaces become unusable. 

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Tobias Peter is a Senior Fellow and Codirector of the AEI Housing Center. Ethan Frizzell serves with The Salvation Army in Southwest Florida and consults with the AEI Housing Center.

The views expressed in this article are the writers’ own.