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Homelessness

Whether you live under a bridge or in a mansion makes no difference. In America, the Constitution applies to everybody. Unfortunately, cities and counties continue to pass laws that undermine basic human rights for people who are unhoused. Laws against encampments, trespassing and panhandling cause homeless people to be evicted from their dwellings, result in the destruction of their belongings, and restrict their free speech right to ask for help. When government restricts these essential, life-sustaining activities, it wrongly makes it a crime for homeless people to attempt to survive.

Resources

Published: 
Thursday, June 15, 2017
The ACLU-WA asked the court to issue a preliminary injunction which would force Seattle and WSDOT to stop illegal raids on homeless peoples' property
News Release, Published: 
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
The U.S. District Court today denied the ACLU’s motion for a temporary restraining order prohibiting the City of Seattle and the Washington State Dept. of Transportation (WSDOT) from seizing and destroying homeless people’s property without probable cause and constitutionally adequate notice.
Published: 
Thursday, January 26, 2017
In America, everyone has the right to their personal property. Whether we live next door or outdoors makes no difference; The Constitution protects each of us, all of the time.
News Release, Published: 
Thursday, January 19, 2017
The Episcopal Diocese, Real Change, and two homeless individuals filed a class action lawsuit against the City of Seattle and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) for violating the constitutional rights of people living outside by seizing and often throwing away their property – without adequate notice, an opportunity to be heard, or a meaningful way to reclaim any property that was not immediately destroyed.

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