Mental Health Partnerships Condemns Supreme Court Grant Pass Ruling, Advocates for Supportive Housing Over Criminalizing Homelessness
Examine a critical response to a controversial Supreme Court ruling that criminalizes homelessness, and explore the urgent call for supportive housing solutions that promote dignity and recovery.
Mental Health Partnerships Condemns Supreme Court Grant Pass Ruling, Advocates for Supportive Housing Over Criminalizing Homelessness
Date: July 19, 2024
Author: Kurdt Allan
Philadelphia, PA – Mental Health Partnerships strongly opposes the recent Supreme Court decision in the case of City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson et al., which permits cities to arrest individuals experiencing homelessness. This ruling represents a significant regression in the pursuit of human rights and social justice.
The Court's decision to uphold laws that criminalize sleeping in public places fails to address the systemic causes of homelessness—such as mental illness, lack of affordable housing, and inadequate access to services. Instead, it punishes individuals for experiencing poverty.
“This ruling criminalizes poverty and targets our most vulnerable citizens, making it even more difficult for them to find the support they need. We call for compassionate solutions that address the root causes of homelessness and provide genuine support.” — Dr. Jeannine L. Lisitski, Ph.D., President and CEO of Mental Health Partnerships
Homelessness by the Numbers
According to the 2023 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, 653,104 people were experiencing homelessness in the United States. That’s a 12% increase from the prior year—the largest since data collection began in 2007.
This increase is not limited to any one region. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reports widespread increases across urban, suburban, and rural communities alike.
In Philadelphia alone, the city reported 4,725 homeless individuals in 2023, though advocacy organizations estimate the actual number is higher (source: Philadelphia Citizen).
A Call for Compassionate Action
“In my career, I've witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of homelessness on individuals and families,” said Dr. Lisitski. “One poignant experience was when I encountered a man who had been abandoned by the prison system and left to die in an alley outside a shelter.”
She continued, “This moment reinforced the urgent need for compassionate advocacy and support for those experiencing homelessness. Just as Mental Health Partnerships has a rich history of breaking new ground in mental health care, we must continue to lead the charge in addressing homelessness with empathy and action.”
Related Reading from Our Advocacy Corner
Stay informed and inspired by exploring more stories from our Advocacy Corner. From uplifting community visits to powerful policy insights and personal recovery journeys, these articles spotlight the people and progress shaping mental health advocacy today.
Transforming Lives, Strengthening Communities
From peer-led recovery programs to statewide advocacy and education, our work touches thousands of lives every year. These numbers reflect our deep commitment to accessible, compassionate, and person-centered mental health support across Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania.
8,480
individuals and families served
34
active programs across the region
1,106
Peer Specialists trained each year
5,801
people supported through direct services
3000+
individuals reached monthly through homeless outreach
1,573
engaged in community advocacy
Real Stories of Hope and Recovery
We’re here to champion every journey to wellness, offering unwavering support and transformational advocacy. Together, we foster resilience and recovery—so everyone can thrive and live their fullest life in the community, free from barriers to mental health care.
"I'm so grateful for the community that's here and the people that I get to work with in a way that they inspire me every day."
"Every experience I've had with MHP thus far has been great, from the training to being able to get support, a community, sponsorships to go places I never thought I'd go."
"MHP has given me so much, I want to give back."
"Give you your own purpose, you know, just like doing something more. Just a good feeling for me. Now I can be productive."
"MHP has a long history of being a really trusted and reliable resource for peer specialists.
So these experiences already live within your walls."
"The incredible empowerment and the impact that peers have in the field of mental health."
"There's something really, really powerful that happens when you're connecting with someone who's sitting across from you and says, you know, I see you and I hear you. Because I've been there."
"...and just that little click. Wow, it's so powerful just to have somebody who understands exactly how you feel, because we can sympathize all day, but to have somebody else in the room with me, to say, I've done it too, I've experienced that too, allows for a bond that goes beyond words."
"That opened me up to talk to other people so I could coach them and have them get the aha moment again. I did it and I'm glad that I got into new ways of thinking."
"I'm able to be helpful just to know that, like, all that hard work I put through actually paid off."
"And I hope that everybody would get the opportunity to connect with that organization"
"At Mental Health Partnerships. Together..."
"Together..."
"Together..."
"Together...we build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"We build hope."
"We build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"Together...we build hope."
"Period!"
Guiding Principles for Empowerment and Growth
At the heart of our mission lies a steadfast commitment to core values that shape every aspect of our work. These values—rooted in hope, empowerment, and respect—guide us in fostering environments where individuals can thrive, exercise self-determination, and pursue lifelong learning. By embracing a holistic, non-judgmental, and culturally aware approach, we empower individuals to achieve their full potential and contribute to their communities.
Together, We Build Hope
At Mental Health Partnerships, we are dedicated to fostering hope and resilience. Our mission is to create a supportive environment where individuals can regain control of their mental health and live fulfilling lives. We offer personalized care that aligns with your unique needs and helps you connect with a community that cares.
Real Stories of Hope & Gratitude
Hear directly from individuals whose lives have been touched by our programs and services. Whether it’s case management, family support, or peer-led guidance, these stories showcase the power of compassionate care and unwavering belief in every person’s potential for recovery and growth.
Let’s Take the Next Step Together
At MHP, we understand that the journey to mental wellness can feel overwhelming. With peer-led support, proven resources, and a warm, caring community, we’re here to guide you through every step—so you never have to walk this path alone.