How is Topeka addressing homelessness after SCOTUS ruling?

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Homeless people across the country can now be penalized for sleeping outside, but the Supreme Court says it should be up to each local government.

The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) voted 6-3 Friday morning that it is constitutional to ban people from sleeping outside. 27 News spoke with Topeka's City Attorney Amanda Stanley about what this means for Topeka.

"The ability to have every tool in our toolbox is what the Supreme Court gave us," Stanley said. "I think that's really helpful when you look at such a hard problem. No one solution is going to fix it."

Earlier this year, Topeka began its homeless abatement process. Current city ordinances claim it's unlawful to camp near public infrastructure. So far, crews cleared more than 200 tons of trash along the Kansas River and other public areas.

"You have to think about the community as a whole," Stanley said. "Which is why you need to try to get people in housing, but also in neighborhoods, kids need to be able to walk down the street and not deal with feces or other issues."

With the SCOTUS ruling, Stanley says it gives the city free rein to continue their work.

"Those conversations can continue," Stanley said. "The court made a big point of saying federal judges are not the best people to decide how we fix homelessness, we should look to the people on the ground and that's what the City of Topeka is already doing."

27 News received a press release from the Topeka Rescue Mission (TRM) shortly after the decision was made public. Below is a excerpt from their full statement and response to the ruling:

"While we as a ministry respect and appreciate the time the court put in to assessing and discussing this situation, we also recognize that the number of people finding themselves experiencing homelessness continues to rise and the needed services for rehabilitation and restoration are not able to meet the increasing demand."

TRM Excerpt

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