07/21/2023
The need is still so great! I found this dwelling while walking and praying. The picture shows one's bedding, a few personal items and obviously a grocery cart. The grocery cart serves as a place to put their belongings while they travel. It also serves as a "door" to their only entrance to the dwelling. This is important because the "door" also acts as an alarm should someone try to get in during the night. The cart is relatively loud when moved and alerts the homeless person of possible intrusion and danger.
Let's unite in praying for direction in how to give a "Hand Up" out of Homelessness in Johnson City. Once someone is arrested according to the law written below, it is very challenging to even get into public housing. There is a solution and GOD is the answer. Will you help pray?
The TN Law: Under House Bill 0978, camping on public property, including parks, is a Class E felony and camping along a highway or under a bridge is a Class C misdemeanor. Therefore, people who sleep on park benches or gather on public property could be arrested or fined. This new bill makes Tennessee the first U.S. state to make it a felony to camp on public property. It was already illegal to sleep on private property and state property, and now public property has been added. There is almost no place where the homeless can sleep without facing the chance of getting arrested or fined.
In Tennessee, a Class E felony is punishable by imprisonment of at least one year and a maximum of six years. Additionally, the jury may choose a fine of up to three thousand dollars. A Class C misdemeanor is punishable by imprisonment for thirty days at most, a fine of not more than fifty dollars, or both.
Considering 34.8% of the homeless Tennessee population is living without shelter, there needs to be steps taken to help homeless people get the resources they need. More people need resources more than ever because this bill came at a time when there is an apparent housing crisis. Housing and rental prices in the state have gone up at least 20%, leading to more people being unable to afford a place to live. Homeless shelters are already filling up, and some even have a waitlist because of the scarcity of resources.Homeless shelters are already filling up, and some even have a waitlist because of the scarcity of resources.
