Is it illegal to be homeless in 2025?
Dignity is a human right
In June 2024, the US Supreme Court voted to allow cities to ban homeless people sleeping outside - even when no shelter is available.
This has basically made it illegal to be homeless
- Some local governments argued that they needed a law to respond to the massive homelessness crisis.
- Fines and jail time greatly exacerbate this humanitarian emergency.
- Banishing people from entire jurisdictions also makes it difficult for them to access services.
Do fines and jail solve the homeless problem?
Fining someone makes them less likely to emerge from homelessness, including by ruining their credit score and making them unable to afford basic needs like food.
Jail or fining unhoused folks who have no alternative but to live in public space is not going to make the homeless crisis go away.
Other ways cities have tried to criminalize homelessness by introducing laws:
- anti-begging laws that say you can’t ask for help
- laws about loitering
- laws about sitting and standing in public places
- laws that punish people for giving homeless people food and aid.
What about Human Rights for homeless people?
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (United Nations) outlines the basic Human Rights everyone on this planet should have including:
The US Supreme Court ruled that if no shelter is available - it does not constitute “cruel and unusual punishment” to ban sleeping outside.
The Supreme Court also confirmed banning homelessness was not against the eighth amendment’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment.
How will unsheltered people Sleep?
The Human Right to Health includes the “underlying determinants of health” - sleep is a major requirement for our health and mental health.
24 Hours without sleep
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Trouble concentrating
72 Hours without sleep
Serious sleep deprivation can lead to full-blown symptoms
- Sleep deprivation psychosis
- Seeing and hearing things that are not there
- Feeling paranoid and anxious
- Delusional thinking
How many people are homeless in America?
Facts About US Homelessness
Every night 100,000's of Americans are putting their life at risk by sleeping on the street. No one believes they will end up homeless, and it is traumatic when it happens.
USA Homeless - Interactive Map
Homelessness can be caused by
One or a combination of these factors can lead to someone becoming homeless. Sometimes homelessness can occur due to someone moving to a new area and losing their job, and not having any support to help. Other times it can be something as simple as not being able to afford housing.
Homelessness can affect anyone at any time. The tiniest life change can cause someone to lose everything they have in a blink of an eye. It's a terrible place for anyone to be in as you will never know what will happen to you on the streets.
Whatever the reason - Americans sleeping on our streets need immediate shelter to survive.
Backpack Beds SAVE LIVES
Backpack Bed for Homeless partners with homeless services across America to distribute our study proven Backpack Beds to street sleeping homeless without shelter.
We are a 501(c)3 charity that relies on the support of everyday Americans to help give back safety to people living on the streets. Your donation can help someone survive a night on the streets by protecting them from the harsh weather climates that can happen at night.
How The Homeless Backpack Bed Works
Lightweight 6.6lbs
Street tough material
Full Body Protection
4 season summer & winter
Fire Retardant
Fabric + Mattress 6ft 3" x 22"
Water & Wind Proof
Protects against winter chills
Full Body Mosquito Net
Stop bites on hot summer nights
Ergonomic Backpack
Adjustable shoulder & chest straps
Storage Pockets
4 pockets - store over 44lb
Secret lockable pocket
With brass key lock
You can make a difference to someones life today
How your donated Backpack Bed makes a difference
