PabloSerna said:
So, what do you think we should do about folks that don't have a home or place to go to? A serious question. If you believe in God, you can bet he will ask each of us the same question - you saw homelessness - what did you do about it?
+Pablo
Edit to add... Me? I support my church and local government to address not just the homeless (shelters), but the hungry (food pantries), and less fortunate (halfway houses). I say this not to brag - no way - just to point out that you should be glad that you have a Mayor that is stepping up.
Telling someone its not your problem - not what I would want to say to God (just ask Cain, LOL)
I'm not sure abolishing a camping ban is "stepping up". However, I would agree that other programs that have been implemented like providing temporary housing and other assistance are a more productive approach than ignoring the problem.
I think there are at least two subgroups in the homeless population. Those that are temporarily homeless due to an unforeseen challenge (job loss, loss of affordable housing, etc) where a temporary housing situation ( weeks to months) while they get back on their feet, and the long term homeless, either due to drugs or mental issues, who will need a different approach, such as drug and/or psych treatment.
While giving people hundreds of dollars in tickets for illegal camping isn't a productive solution, the ability of LE to stop and ascertain the situation is useful. Obviously the better approach is to give the officers training in something other than writing tickets, but the no camping ordinance does provide probable cause for the officer to step in and see what the situation is. Without the camping ordinance, the officers do not have probable cause to stop a homeless person unless they are committing another illegal act. The contact with an officer and a discussion of the situation could allow the homeless person to Be directed to an appropriate resource for help and verification that they are not otherwise victims of abuse, have mental issues, or using drugs.
At the end of the day, SCOTUS didn't take up the case so west coast still can't ban camping but Austin can keep the bans on camping in certain areas.