Too many families are struggling, despite the booming economy. Too many working people are one missed paycheck away from living in their car, or staying with relatives. Too many people are driven out of the housing market into homelessness. It’s time to do something that will help people get back on their feet.
But, there isn’t a magic bullet. People become homeless for a variety of reasons: getting laid off, impossible medical bills, untreated mental illness or lack of affordable housing.
And to end homelessness we need to make serious changes in how we address these problems. But there is one good, temporary solution available for those facing homelessness: safe, regulated homeless encampments.
Many places of worship have stepped up to host tent cities. They’re giving homeless families a safe place to sleep and stay together in a time when many shelters and programs are stretched to the breaking point.
The problem is, cities and counties are increasingly passing laws that block religious organizations from exercising their right to provide food and shelter to those less fortunate.
For example, in 2009, the State Supreme Court ruled that the City of Woodinville violated the Northshore United Church of Christ’s right to free exercise of religion. The city refused an application by the church to host a homeless encampment on their own property without any justification.
That’s why we’re proposing legislation to protect the right of churches, temples and mosques to be moral leaders on homelessness. House Bill 2086 and its Senate companion, Senate Bill 5900, would prohibit certain limitations on groups to: host an established rotating tent city, the length of the hosting terms and any safe parking efforts for homeless living in vehicles.
Homeless encampments are an unfortunate necessity. Homelessness has increased 37 percent since 2010. Encampments provide safe shelter and community to those in need, and in many cases, help with the process of finding affordable housing.
Our legislation fulfills a moral obligation, protects the rights of faith based organizations, and provides much needed consistency among jurisdictions in regards to homeless encampments.
Ordinances targeting homeless encampments only move the problem somewhere else. Cities that target them are being short-sighted and disregarding the crucial services tent cities provide.
These actions only serve to punish the homeless when they are most in need. Kids, moms and people who’ve lost their job don’t want to be living in their car, a shelter or sleeping under a bridge. They want a home.
Vice President Hubert Humphrey said, “The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life; the sick, the needy and the handicapped.” No one should be without a home. Homelessness is an ailment of society, and a reflection on our own morality and competence.
But it’s not just a moral right for religious organizations to host homeless encampments. Its common sense too.
Faith communities have the ability and resources to assist with this overwhelming need as we work to address the problems that create homelessness which government has failed to do. With significant budget challenges facing us this year, our spending options are limited. But, our opportunities to partner with people of faith are significant.
While we continue to address the root causes of homelessness and pass problem-solving policies that prevent new homelessness, we should let our religious organizations continue their good work with homeless encampments. It’s their right and our obligation.
Senator Mark Miloscia, R-Federal Way, represents the 30th Legislative District. Representative Joan McBride, D-Kirkland represents the 48th Legislative District. Bishop Greg Rickel is Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Washington.
