‘The Evergreen’: How homelessness in Grants Pass made it to the Supreme Court

By Jeremiah Hayden (Street Roots)
May 20, 2024 1 p.m.
The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Grants Pass v. Johnson on April 22, 2024, an Oregon case on whether punishing homeless residents violates the Eighth Amendment.

The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Grants Pass v. Johnson on April 22, 2024, an Oregon case on whether punishing homeless residents violates the Eighth Amendment.

Jeremiah Hayden / Street Roots

00:00
 / 
21:48
THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:

A case currently before the U.S. Supreme Court centers around this question: Can cities punish people for living outdoors if there’s no other place for them to go? The court’s ruling, which could come as early as June, could change homelessness policy nationwide — and it all started in Grants Pass, Oregon.

Street Roots Newspaper reporter Jeremiah Hayden spent time in Grants Pass and covered oral arguments in Washington, DC. He joins us to share some of the voices of Oregonians behind the legal case, and to consider what the case could mean for cities in across the country.

Listen to all episodes of The Evergreen podcast here.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:
THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:

Become a Sustainer now at opb.org and help ensure OPB’s fact-based reporting, in-depth news and engaging programs thrive in 2025 and beyond.
We’ve gone to incredible places together this year. Support OPB’s essential coverage and exploration in 2025 and beyond. Join as a monthly Sustainer now or with a special year-end contribution. 
THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR: