Illegal to Sleep: Grants Pass’ Cruel War on Homelessness

In this compelling documentary, Invisible People traveled to Grants Pass, Oregon, a picturesque city of about 40,000 residents, which is now at the forefront of a significant legal battle with nationwide implications. The U.S. Supreme Court is set to deliberate on the pressing issue of homelessness and the criminalization of public camping. At stake is whether local governments like Grants Pass can enforce bans on sleeping in public spaces at all times. This decision could potentially affect the lives of approximately 600 homeless individuals living in Grants Pass alone, including 55-year-old Laura, who was forced into homelessness following the death of her husband, and Amber, who has received over 30 tickets for just existing.

Our investigation dives deep into the daily struggles of homeless people trying to survive in the rain and cold. The documentary covers the impending Supreme Court case, Grants Pass v. Johnson, which challenges the city’s public camping ban under the Eighth Amendment's clause against "cruel and unusual punishments." This historic case questions whether it's constitutional to penalize the homeless for sleeping outdoors when they have no other shelter options.

Grants Pass officials argue for the need to reclaim public spaces, while advocates for the homeless warn of the dire consequences of criminalizing homelessness. This video highlights the personal stories of affected individuals and explores the broader societal and legal implications. Join us as we shed light on this critical issue, examining the intersection of law, policy, and human rights in a community divided on how to treat its most vulnerable residents. Watch as we unfold the layers of this complex issue, leading up to a landmark decision that could reshape the landscape of homelessness across America.

Executive producer: Mark Horvath

More stories:

#grantspass #homeless #homelessness
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About Invisible People

There is a direct correlation between what the general public perceives about homelessness and how it affects policy change. Most people blame homelessness on the person experiencing it instead of the increasing shortage of affordable housing, lack of employment, childhood trauma, lack of a living wage, or the countless reasons that put a person at risk. This lack of understanding creates a dangerous cycle of misperception that leads to the inability to effectively address the root causes of homelessness.

We imagine a world where everyone has a place to call home. Each day, we work to fight homelessness by giving it a face while educating individuals about the systemic issues that contribute to its existence. Through storytelling, education, news, and activism, we are changing the narrative on homelessness.

This isn’t just talk. Our groundbreaking educational content reaches millions of people every month. Our real and unfiltered stories of homelessness shatter stereotypes, demand attention and deliver a call-to-action that is being answered by governments, major brands, nonprofit organizations, and everyday citizens just like you.

However, there is more work to be done on the road ahead. Homelessness is undoubtedly one of our biggest societal issues today and will only continue to grow if we don’t take action now.

Invisible People is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to educating the public about homelessness through innovative storytelling, news, and advocacy. Since our launch in 2008, Invisible People has become a pioneer and trusted resource for inspiring action and raising awareness in support of advocacy, policy change and thoughtful dialogue around poverty in North America and the United Kingdom.

[Tattooedladyd]

8 months ago, I was homeless while working a full time job. I was homeless for YEARS. I didn’t use drugs or drink. I just could not afford these insane rent prices alone. I got extremely lucky and found a way out. What is happening is an outrage!! This video got me a bit emotional. These folks are already down enough. I will never forget the feeling of hopelessness. Kicking people while they are down is NOT the solution. We are not supposed to knock people down further, we are supposed to lift people up. God bless the individuals who are helping the unhoused survive that nightmare and God bless you Mark for bringing awareness to such a disgusting situation. Also, that one shelter is not behaving very Christian-like. Disgusting.

[marcellasanchez]

I live in a small town in Texas, I was at a laundry mat when I saw this man sitting outside on the concrete, everyone was just ignoring him. I went over to talk to him, said he needed something to eat so I bought him lunch and gave him some money. No one ever stopped to see about him. I thought what if that was me? What if it happens to you one day?

[AlwaysonTayaTime]

Taxing people's homes after they are paid for is borderline. Taxing elders on their owned property is obscene.

[UnchainedMind]

I’m honestly floored by how many people speak about the homeless with such coldness.

[winstonslone]

I became homeless after my wife passed away in 2021. I had a great job, was educated, had it all. Never thought it would happen to me, but it did. Most people are one paycheck away from this situation

[عبداللطيفمزوز]

Having all this misery and sending billions and billions of dollars to finance wars abroad, it is inhuman and evil

[jamesgilligan]

11 days of the defense budget could completely house the homeless. It speaks volumes about the nature of the human species.

[reginaldkonig]

Homeless people ain't the problem, it's the rich that created the problem

[livinggood]

Why are we helping everyone in the world except homeless Americans in need?

[RisetotheOccasionNow]

Casting out the disabled, elderly & children is the lowest a government or organization can go. I hope one day those who turn away these people get to experience homelessness themselves.

[Ihateliberalsrus]

Voters are sick of homelessness, fuck man, the rent here is out of control. I've lived here and most people can't afford to live. Where are the homeless supposed to go? How do they afford to move?

[tamiweir]

My heart breaks to hear of normal people not on drugs living on the streets. I so wish I were a person with money so I could help. God bless you all

[Foundry_made]

We need to have an HONEST conversation about what is causing this epidemic of homelessness. If we are not allowed to talk about it, we cannot fix it.

[clifforddriver]

I spent nine consecutive years being homeless. I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

[Brwneydgrl]

I was homeless.from 2013-2018. I did city streets for 2.5 years. 8 months in a shelter in San Antonio Texas. 9 States. 50 cities. Last place was Ashland Oregon. Lived in a tent there in multiple camps. AWAY from the cities. Flew a sign. My husband stayed at camp while I was out. And I stayed while he was out. 1 of us was always there. He passed in January 2018 from a heart attack. And I was blessed after that and was able to get up on my feet due to the community of Ashland and a personal friend. Now 6+ years later I'm in my childhood hometown with my daughter and 3 grandbabies. A job. My own place. Very grateful. 🙏

[tomc.]

I was homeless about 40 years ago and it was very hard to find a job when you didn't have a home but it's much much harder today because back then people would hire you and you started the next day but today they want you to go through three different interviews and they need you to have email and all kinds of hoops to jump through.

[brisvegas]

How can a country throw so much money into foreign aid when their own citizens are homeless with nothing?

[charliebarrow]

I have never been homeless, thank God, but I volunteered for four years in a homeless shelter. It really opened my eyes to the fact that most of us are only a few pay-checks away from ending up in dire situations. I am now grateful for things that I always took for granted (shower, washing machine, safety, fridge, clean bed and warmth in the winter) and have much compassion. We all need to step up, never walk by without offering something to eat, water, a friendly smile and a chat.

[jaceybenton]

The people who would attack a homeless person are a bigger danger to our community than the homeless people in it.

[Greatwhiteconservative]

Lets start a petition not one more penny goes anywhere until we fix the problem the politicians caused