AUSTIN (June 28, 2024) — The Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO) issued the following statement in response to the ruling issued by the U.S. Supreme Court Friday in the case of Johnson v. Grants Pass:

“ECHO shares in the anger and profound disappointment felt by people living unsheltered and their community allies. The Supreme Court decision to allow for the criminalization of homelessness fails to address the systemic and root issues that cause people to be homeless, the effects of which hurt Black Austinites and marginalized communities the most. These laws add to the trauma unhoused people face every day and make it harder for people to find economic and housing stability. This ruling should serve as a mandate for the federal government to fully fund supportive housing and services and finally create a more just America by ending homelessness once and for all.”

Learn more about the case at johnsonvgrantspass.com.