by Briana Vannozzi, Anchor, NJ Spotlight News, October 4, 2024
This story is being republished under a special NJ News Commons content-sharing agreement. Link to story: njspotlightnews.org/video/another-nj-town-targets-homeless-with-sleeping-ban
Millville is the latest town to punish the homeless for sleeping outside.
The city’s Board of Commissioners approved an ordinance recently banning anyone from sleeping in public spaces including streets or sidewalks, as well as outside businesses or government buildings.
Members of the board say the decision was driven by an increase in homelessness throughout the city. The ordinance includes a $500 fine for their first offense. Further offenses could mean fines of up to $2,000 or jail time.
Millville’s ordinance comes after a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision cleared the way for the town of Grants Pass, Oregon to fine people sleeping outside as a way to manage homeless encampments that sprang up. Since then, at least three other towns in South Jersey besides Millville have adopted similar measures.
Critics say such ordinances are an inhuman way to address homelessness, arguing they only add another barrier for people who are already struggling to get back on their feet.
