In June 2024, the United States Supreme Court ruled that cities can penalize unhoused individuals for sleeping in public spaces, even when there are insufficient shelter beds available. This landmark decision from the nation’s highest court effectively criminalizes unsheltered homelessness and may worsen public health challenges for an already underserved population.

This analysis found strong evidence that involuntary displacement of people experiencing homelessness exacerbates health conditions by disrupting access to healthcare, treatment, and social services.