Advocates Call For End To 'Criminalization' Of Austin's Homeless

AUSTIN, TX — A group of advocates for those living on the streets have scheduled a Tuesday morning news conference to remind local law enforcement that being homeless is not a crime calling for repeal of ordinances they say criminalizes the homeless.

The 9 a.m. news conference scheduled at the Austin Convention Center atrium entrance, Trinity and East 4th streets, will double as a rally with a performance dubbed "No Sit/No Lie" by members of the Gathering Ground Theater group illustrating the realities of homelessness and the right to rest. Joining members of the homeless population will be allies with the Decarcerate ATX coalition, Gathering Ground, Texas Fair Defense, University United Methodist Church and Grassroots Leadership among the speakers.

The gathering takes place outside the Fair Housing Summit to address the city ordinances that criminalize homelessness. Individuals who have experienced homelessness, chiefly Ordinance 9.4.14 that prohibits lying or sitting on a sidewalk or sleeping outdoors in the downtown Austin community court area, organizers said. Another local law, Ordinance 9.4.13, bans actions related to panhandling, particularly in downtown during daytime hours. Yet another, Ordinance 9.4.11, prohibits camping in public areas, including storing personal belongings, using a tent/car as a living accommodation, and cooking.

"The Decarcerate ATX coalition is calling for an immediate repeal of these ordinances and an end to the criminalization of homelessness," officials said in a press advisory ahead of the gathering.

Added Cate Graziani, criminal justice campaigns coordinator with Grassroots Leadership: “In addition to talking about fair housing, let’s not omit that Austin is putting people in jail for homelessness instead of providing homes, jobs, or services. These ordinances do not deter people from living outside when they have nowhere else to go. By funneling people into the criminal justice system, these ordinances make it more difficult for people to secure housing and employment."

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