Full Measure After Hours: How Far Can Cities Go to Clear Out the Homeless?

Release Date: March 20, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Full Measure After Hours, host Sharyl Attkisson delves deep into the contentious issue of homelessness in American cities, with a particular focus on Grants Pass, Oregon. Amidst rising homelessness rates nationwide, smaller towns like Grants Pass find themselves grappling with sudden surges and the ensuing community disruption. This episode explores the intricate dynamics between local government actions, legal battles, and community sentiments, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and potential solutions surrounding homelessness.

Background: The Grants Pass Case

Grants Pass became a focal point in the national debate on homelessness when it was embroiled in a Supreme Court case addressing the rights of cities to relocate homeless encampments from public properties. This lawsuit, initiated six years prior to the podcast's release, questioned whether homeless individuals have an inherent right to reside on public lands without restrictions.

Quote:
Sarah Bristol, former mayor of Grants Pass, reflects on the initial surge in homelessness following the lawsuit:
"Grants Pass doesn't have a homeless shelter. And I think that was the reason why we became the focus of that lawsuit in the first place." [04:31]

Ex-Mayor Sarah Bristol’s Perspective

Sarah Bristol served as the mayor during a critical period when homelessness became a dominant issue in Grants Pass. She emphasizes the lack of infrastructure to support the homeless, particularly the absence of low-barrier shelters that accommodate individuals regardless of their circumstances.

Key Points:

• Challenges Faced: Managing homelessness without adequate shelters led to the establishment of tent encampments in city parks.
• Supreme Court Decision: Allowed Grants Pass to remove homeless individuals from public parks, leading to the creation of designated non-park areas for the homeless.
• Community Division: Bristol and several council members were ousted after advocating for publicly funded shelters, indicating a community split over the issue.

Notable Quote:
Reflecting on the community's reaction to shelter proposals, Bristol states:
"I think all the homeless people I talk to are from this community...they're pretty committed to being in this area." [06:25]

Current Mayor Clint Scherf’s Perspective

Clint Scherf, the newly elected mayor, presents a contrasting approach to his predecessor. He advocates for collaborating with private charities and non-profits to address homelessness rather than relying solely on taxpayer-funded solutions.

Key Points:

• Alternative Solutions: Supports working with organizations like churches and non-profits to provide assistance to the homeless.
• Community Safety: Emphasizes the importance of public safety and accountability, addressing concerns that shelters with strict rules might not accommodate all individuals.
• Legal Constraints: Navigates new laws requiring “objectively reasonable” accommodations when relocating homeless individuals, pushing for coordinated community efforts.

Notable Quote:
Discussing the challenges of implementing shelters, Scherf remarks:
"Why would our community be unsafe when we're allowed...we have responsibilities, we have rules that we’ve got to abide by." [26:06]

Legal and Supreme Court Implications

The Supreme Court's involvement in the Grants Pass case underscored the legal complexities surrounding homelessness. The court's decision highlighted that it isn't solely the responsibility of local governments to manage homelessness, thereby influencing how communities nationwide approach similar issues.

Key Points:

• Injunction Removal: Enabled the city to relocate homeless individuals from parks, yet mandated that relocations be handled “objectively and reasonably.”
• Legal Ambiguity: The vague definition of "objectively reasonable" accommodations leaves much room for interpretation, complicating municipal efforts.
• National Attention: Grants Pass's legal battles have set a precedent, making it a nationwide case study for other communities facing similar challenges.

Notable Quote:
Sarah Bristol discusses the Supreme Court's stance:
"The Supreme Court acknowledged that our shelters, even though they're religious based, are viable shelters for people to utilize." [23:44]

Community Impact and Public Sentiment

Homelessness in Grants Pass has deeply polarized the community. While some residents advocate for compassionate solutions, others prioritize public safety and the usability of communal spaces like parks.

Key Points:

• Economic and Social Factors: Rising housing costs, economic downturns, and inadequate mental health support contribute to the homelessness crisis.
• Public Safety Concerns: Incidents of violence and disruptions from homeless encampments have fueled frustration among residents.
• Political Divide: The election of Mayor Scherf on a platform of change indicates a shift in public sentiment towards seeking new solutions.

Notable Quote:
On the increasing visibility of homelessness, Bristol notes:
"Over the course of four years, they came out of the woods and hiding places, and they were just right there in our city park." [07:48]

National Implications

Grants Pass's struggle with homelessness mirrors broader national challenges. The city's experience offers insights into how local policies, legal frameworks, and community actions interplay to shape responses to homelessness.

Key Points:

• Model for Other Cities: Grants Pass's legal and municipal strategies are being closely watched as other communities seek effective solutions.
• Systemic Issues: Highlighting that homelessness is tied to larger societal problems like economic disparities and inadequate support systems.
• Preventative Measures: Emphasizes the need for comprehensive approaches that address root causes rather than just symptoms.

Notable Quote:
Commenting on the national spotlight on Grants Pass, Scherf states:
"We are underneath the national spotlight. And to fully answer your question, yes, I think everybody's going to be looking at us to see what we do and maybe use it as a model." [33:15]

Conclusions and Future Outlook

The episode concludes with a nuanced perspective on the path forward for Grants Pass. Mayor Scherf aims to foster collaboration among local organizations and leverage community resources to develop sustainable solutions. However, the immediate future remains uncertain as ongoing disputes and logistical challenges persist.

Key Points:

• Collaborative Efforts: Emphasis on uniting former and current council members to support non-profits and develop new strategies.
• Ongoing Challenges: Addressing violent disruptions and finding effective ways to balance community safety with compassionate support for the homeless.
• Hope for Change: Despite current obstacles, there is a collective effort to innovate and implement policies that better serve both residents and the homeless population.

Notable Quote:
Scherf shares his optimism:
"We are volunteer, unpaid people...everyone's going to do the best they can within the best of their abilities." [34:21]

Conclusion

This episode of Full Measure After Hours offers an in-depth exploration of the complex issue of homelessness in Grants Pass, Oregon. Through the perspectives of both the former and current mayors, listeners gain valuable insights into the challenges of balancing legal obligations, community safety, and compassionate support. The Grants Pass case not only highlights the struggles of a smaller city but also serves as a microcosm of the broader national conversation on homelessness, legal rights, and municipal responsibility.