CHILLICOTHE, Ohio – The city of Chillicothe has commenced the eviction of homeless individuals from encampments across the city, following a recent Supreme Court ruling that allows municipalities to enforce public camping ordinances. The ruling in the case of the City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson et al., has overturned a Ninth Circuit decision that had previously deemed such ordinances unconstitutional under the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment.
In the majority opinion, Justice Samuel Alito stated that local ordinances with modest penalties do not violate constitutional protections, thereby restoring the authority of municipalities to regulate public spaces. This decision has significant implications nationwide, prompting both support and concern.
Local Response and Initial Actions
In Chillicothe, a city that had previously tabled a stringent public camping ordinance due to community backlash, the response has been mixed. Mayor Luke Feeney in 2022 had expressed reservations about criminalizing homelessness, advocating for a more compassionate approach to the city’s housing challenges.
“For me, in my heart, that just feels wrong,” Mayor Feeney remarked during a public meeting last year. His sentiments were echoed by many residents and advocates, including Dr. Stacy Saunders-Adams of the Ross County Recovering Outreach Center, who emphasized the need for comprehensive solutions over punitive measures.
Despite these concerns, the city has initiated the eviction process using existing ordinances. On July 3, police evicted residents from a homeless camp at the flood wall and Yoctangee Park, followed by similar actions in other areas:
- July 4: Residents along the floodwall were served paperwork by the City Parks and Recreation department, permanently barring them from city park property.
- July 6: Another encampment near Riverside was shut down by police.
- July 7: Residents of a camp along the floodwall near Mt. Logan Drive were evicted and barred from the property.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Debate
The evictions have reignited the debate on how best to address homelessness in Chillicothe. While some residents support forced evictions as a means to maintain public safety and order, others argue that these actions fail to address the root causes of homelessness and merely displace vulnerable individuals.
Moving Forward
The Chillicothe City Council’s decision to table the ordinance last year reflected a desire to balance public safety with humanitarian considerations. However, the recent Supreme Court ruling has pressured the city to act, leading to the current wave of evictions.
As Chillicothe continues to navigate this complex issue, the community remains divided.
The situation in Chillicothe mirrors a broader national challenge, highlighting the need for innovative and compassionate approaches to homelessness that go beyond legal enforcement.