“Basically your existence is criminalized, because each night you are ultimately going to be in violation of the law if there’s not enough shelter space,” said Chris Harris, director of the Criminal Justice Project at the non-profit Texas Appleseed.
Canvassers for Prop B have misled the public, selling the idea that their specious solution somehow helps people experiencing homelessness, Harris said. That delusion, in turn, has convinced voters that a “yes” vote benefits both them and the people being conveniently swept out of sight.
But in reality, warrants and jail time would only make it harder for people to access housing and employment opportunities. And Prop B could especially hurt Black Austinites, who account for only about 8% of the area’s total population but 35% of people experiencing homelessness.