Catholic Charities Believes:

 

Every human person is made in the image and likeness of God, and as such we believe every human person deserves basic dignity and safety of a safe secure space. This belief is rooted in our commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, recognizing that every individual deserves respect and protection, regardless of their circumstances.

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NO human being should eat, sleep or go to the bathroom outdoors in the wealthiest country in the history of the world.  It's the community and the government's sacred responsibility to make sure that there is enough safe shelter and housing for every person experiencing homelessness. This responsibility includes addressing systemic inequities and barriers that disproportionately affect underrepresented communities.

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No unhoused person should be arrested simply for experiencing homelessness; however, we also believe that any person (houseless or otherwise) who is breaking the law or harming themselves or others while loitering, sitting, lying, camping on the streets should be engaged by law enforcement and offered the services they need, including shelter, housing, mental health and substance use treatment, emphasizing equitable access to services and support.

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Large encampments such as Camp Hope do not promote basic human dignity, health, and safety. Instead, we advocate for dignified, inclusive solutions that respect the rights and humanity of every individual.

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Unhoused individuals should be allowed to travel in and around the city as they need to. The sight of an unhoused person being offensive or unacceptable to passersby or business owners is not a valid reason to criminalize or vilify them. If any person (houseless or otherwise) is loitering, causing a disturbance, harassing others, using drugs in the open, or acting dangerously, they should be engaged by law enforcement. 

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People camping or sleeping outdoors and/or on sidewalks is not dignified. We have a duty to offer shelter and services to all such individuals. If they refuse shelter and services and choose to stay outdoors, we need to continue to engage them and invite them in until they change their mind. However, if staying outside includes any kind of criminal or harmful behavior, law enforcement needs to engage. Everyone should have access to safe and dignified living conditions.

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Sleeping or camping outdoors should not be allowed, not because it is a crime, but because it is our moral responsibility as a community to provide shelter and services at the correct capacity and to invite individuals inside until they say yes. This reflects our commitment to ensure that all community members have access to safe and supportive environments.