LOUISVILLE, Ky. — More than a hundred Louisvillians held 'Housing not Handcuffs' signs outside the Mazzoli Federal Building in downtown Louisville on Monday, while the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments about criminalizing houselessness.
"Citing and arresting those people who have nowhere else to sleep isn't a solution, it makes the problem worse," said Michael Abate, who discussed the Johnson v. Grants Pass case.
In 2021, 10,640 Louisvillians experienced homelessness.
Louisville groups, along with local, state and federal leaders gathered at the park in front of the building to call for local solutions.
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"Our people who are unhoused sleeping in the streets are worth fighting for now, so how do we fight," Councilman Jecorey Arthur said.
About 25 tents were set up throughout the park with "no trespassing" citations attached to them. Each tent represents 24 people to show the 595 Louisvillians who go unhoused each night.
Markus Young Sr. knows that reality all too well.
"It's a rush to get to, get to showers and interviews and things like that, and just pressing to move forward," said Young Sr.
He said it would be devastating if the criminalization of homelessness becomes a law. Young Sr. already becomes fearful when he sees an officer.
"The first thing that comes to my mind is 'Oh God, is this officer getting ready to stop and harass me,'" he said.
Congressman Morgan McGarvey said it's about attacking the root cause of problem.
"That's why in Congress I have co-sponsored the Housing for all Act, the Ending Homelessness Act," he said.
Arthur wants everyone to support an ordinance that will mandate dollars for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, including support for an ordinance to create a right to shelter.
"That includes simplifying the shelter process making sure that we create a moratorium on camp clearings," he said.
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