AUSTIN, Texas —
Austin Mutual Aid called an emergency press conference Tuesday morning in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision allowing outdoor sleeping bans.
The group provides help and resources for Austin people experiencing homelessness. The organization said it wants to call attention to this ruling and the impact it could have on the city's most vulnerable population.
A representative from the group said they don't know how quickly the enforcement will come down, but they want to encourage the city and other officials to act before it's too late.
The new ruling clears the way for cities to enforce bans on people experiencing homelessness who are sleeping outside in public places. Austin Mutual Aid said it's now calling on the city to step up and protect the unhoused population.
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Advocates and people who have personal experience sleeping in public spaces share their stories at the press conference.
"Many people don't understand the issues. They don't understand that by criminalizing people and continuing the cycle of poverty and filling the prisons with people who are just trying to live their life, [that] increases homelessness," Fran Tatu with Austin Mutual Aid said.
The press conference also included possible solutions to provide alternatives for those who need shelter.
"We hope that immediately, possibly, there can be immediate beds made available through creative means. And we're giving those, some of those suggestions," Tatu said.
Austin's Homeless Strategy Office responded to the ruling with a statement that reads, in part:
"The City of Austin recognizes that homelessness is not a crime and therefore reaffirms its commitment to developing comprehensive solutions that prioritize housing, support services and dignity for all individuals."
You can find that full statement and other city leaders responses here.
Austin Mutual Aid's press conference was held in front of City Hall at 10 a.m. Tuesday.