The Law Center
Newsletter
 

 Message from the Director & Founder
 

We challenge laws that punish people for homelessness and poverty, and that make it even harder for them to find housing and jobs. And, we uphold the right of homeless people to vote—and to influence decisions that affect their lives. 

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Maria Foscarinis on ACLU: the Criminalization of Homelessness
Listen to Law Center Executive Director Maria Foscarinis discuss the criminalization of homelessness on the ACLU's "Podcast: At Liberty." 

State Index on Youth Homelessness
The Law Center and the True Colors Fund released the State Index on Youth Homelessness, a first-of-its-kind resource that evaluates all 50 states and the District of Columbia on their efforts to prevent and end youth homelessness. Read our press release, view the online interactive map, and read the full report.

The state index received media coverage in the Associated Press, Variety Magazine, Billboard Magazine, and the Washington Post. Special thanks to the Raikes Foundation, Latham & Watkins LLP, The Carlyle Group, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, and DLA Piper LLP for their contributions to the report. 
 
 
9th Circuit Says Camping Bans Unconstitutional
In September of 2018, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed that homeless persons cannot be punished for sleeping outside in the absence of adequate alternatives in Martin v Boise. The decision has made great impact already; view news coverage here.

Alone Without A Home: A National Review of State Laws Affecting Unaccompanied Youth
This report provides a state-by-state review of laws in 13 key issue areas that affect the lives of unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness. It also provides recommendations for policy changes in each of the 13 issue areas. View the report here. Watch the webinar and see the slides.
  In the News
 

Briefing on Extreme Poverty in the U.S. - January 28, 12:30pm

An independent expert appointed by the United Nations conducted an official visit to the U.S. last year to report on poverty and human rights violations. Join us for a briefing where experts and advocates discuss the implications of the Special Rapporteur's findings. The briefing is hosted by Senator Cory Booker, Representative Danny K. Davis, and Representative Terri Sewell. Law Center Legal Director Eric Tars will speak. Find out more here. 

Housing Not Handcuffs Campaign Demands Repeal of Panhandling Bans

On August 28, the Law Center and partners of the Housing Not Handcuffs Campaign launched a nationwide effort to strike down bans on panhandling. Advocates in a dozen states are demanding more than 200 cities repeal panhandling bans and redirect resources to housing. Learn more here. 

Law Center Challenges Greensboro's Unconstitutional Panhandling Ordinance

The Law Center is joining the ACLU of North Carolina and Legal Aid of North Carolina in representing three homeless people in a federal lawsuit seeking to block a Greensboro ordinance that violates free speech, equal protection, and due process rights of people who ask for contributions in public places in the city. Read the full press release here.