Temporary Restraining Order Sought to Stop City of Grants Pass Homeless Encampment Closure

GRANTS PASS, Ore. — An emergency lawsuit to place a temporary restraining order on the City of Grants Pass to stop it from closing one of only two homeless camps and limiting camping to overnight only was served yesterday (Thursday) by Disability Rights Oregon (DRO) and the Oregon Law Center.

The Closures are Cruel, Illegal, and Inhumane

The closures are described as cruel, illegal, and inhumane in a news release by the CEO of DRO, Jake Cornett. He said the City of Grants Pass was placing the lives of disabled people at risk by closing homeless encampments in the middle of winter.

The DRO, which is representing five disabled people in the lawsuit, said the only remaining legal camp for homeless people in Grants Pass City was overcrowded and exposed to the harsh winter weather. There was also no drinking water available in the camp.

People who fail to comply with city regulations face a 30-day exclusion from the camp, $75 fines, and a citation.

The encampment on J Street was closed by the City of Grants Pass on January 24 to make way for a water treatment plant. However, groundbreaking on the site is scheduled for May.

Supreme Court Ruling Enables Grants Pass to Ban Camping on City Property

Last June, the Supreme Court overturned a California-based appeals court ruling that found camping bans amounted to cruel and unusual punishment under the U.S. Constitution’s Eighth Amendment when there is a lack of shelter space.

The ruling enabled Grants Pass to enforce local ordinances banning camping on city property, like sidewalks and parks.

The Gospel Rescue Mission is the only overnight shelter for adults in the city. However, its rules disqualify many of the homeless – to qualify for a bed, people are required to attend religious services and are not allowed to smoke, drink, or take drugs. They are also now allowed to keep pets.

The campsite closed by the City Council last week was the larger of the original two campsites with about 120 tents.

The Homeless are Forced to Roam the Streets for 10 Hours Every Day

These people are now required to use the smaller campsite but can only do so between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. They have not been provided with storage facilities and are therefore forced to wander the streets of Grants Pass City for 10 hours daily, carrying all their possessions.

The City of Grants Pass says the local Police Department has been working with community organizations to ensure a fair transition and that the homeless people impacted can access available resources.