Fremont Considers Camping Ban on Unhoused – and Penalties for Advocates

Last Summer the US Supreme Court ruled that cities can ban camping on all public property, even in cases where the community does not have shelter beds available.  This decision overturned the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling prohibiting communities from punishing their unhoused residents for camping if they have nowhere else to go. 

The City of Fremont is taking things one step further by considering an Ordinance to penalize anyone found “aiding” or “abetting” an encampment, making those who assist or support the homeless subject to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail. The Fremont City Council will hold a second vote scheduled for Tuesday February 11th to finalize their decision. The decision is seen by homeless advocates as cruel, allowing cities to punish people who are just trying to survive while living unhoused.  Our unhoused neighbors deserve the dignity and respect that all Fremont residents should expect.

 While homeless advocates seek pathways to improve the lives and protect the constitutional rights of people experiencing homelessness, we find the proposed Fremont ordinance especially cruel, pushing an alarming trend of punishing people who are around encampments to support those living there, but not living in them.

To view the staff report and proposed Ordinance please click here or contact Crisand Giles for additional information.