Advocates say new public camping ban criminalizes homelessness

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Advocacy groups supporting homeless populations are warning about the potential effects of a new law banning camping in public areas.

Senate Enrolled Act 285 now makes it a misdemeanor to camp, sleep on or use public land as long-term shelter.

JJ and Jennifer Goodall have been homeless on and off for the last eight years.

“It makes me wonder what’s going through people’s heads now,” JJ said.

Under the law, someone caught camping on public land would first receive a warning and information about available resources.

They would have 48 hours to leave at least 300 feet away. They then could face 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.

Sanctuary Indy is a nonprofit with a mission to help solve homelessness throughout Indianapolis. Founder Michelle Shelburne says the SEA 285 is a step in the wrong direction and effectively criminalizes homelessness.

“I know a lot of individuals through our street outreach that will be filling up our jail system to be arrested,” Shelburne said. “Then [they have] nowhere to go. I don’t see that as a viable solution for our housing crisis.”

The Goodalls’ struggle is amplified because JJ can’t work. He takes care of Jennifer full-time. She lost vision in both of her eyes years ago.

Earlier this year, they were connected with Sanctuary Indy’s support services, including nutritionists and a financial advisor.

“We were living in the dumpster area of the Dollar Tree,” Jennifer said. “Stacy, their outreach advocate, came by and started talking to us, and it just all happened from there.”

Part of the nonprofit’s work includes developing Circle City Village, a housing complex for homeless people and families.

Later this year, the Goodalls will be among the first residents to move into six tiny homes for couples and individuals.

Plans for the village’s second phase include five duplexes for ten families.

“They lifted us up and gave us a lot of hope right now, so we’re holding on to that right now,” JJ said.

They know people who rely on public spaces for shelter. Both are worried about what the new law will mean for others in their situation.

“There’s no real safe place that you can sleep, especially if you’re outside,” Jennifer said. “To do that to those people who are already down as far as they can possibly get is not right.”

According to data from the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana, Marion County is short 33,600 housing units for households at or below 30% of the area median income.

Shelburne is urging lawmakers to see the real people impacted.

“We need more help starting from the ground up,” Shelburne said. “Not coming up with band-aid solutions that are just going to increase our crisis.”

The first phase of construction on Circle City Village is scheduled to be completed this summer.