The massive banner over the Catholic Action Center reads “AIN’T NO CRIME TO BE HOMELESS.” But there’s a fear that, under new legislation set to go into effect in July, it could be.
"Our folks who are unhoused are afraid of what all this means," says Ginny Ramsey, longtime head of the center.
Monday’s rally was meant to raise awareness about HB 5 — which creates new penalties for unauthorized street camping — and send a message to those without housing that the community has a place for them.
"We're out here to support the people who are unhoused. We're here to stand together with them in love, no matter what House Bill 5 says, no matter what the Supreme Court ruling today in Johnson vs. Grants Pass (says)," Ramsey explains. "We want them to know that, as a community we embrace them."
"This isn't something where we're targeting anyone or we're criminalizing them for for being who they are."Charlie Lanter, Lexington Commissioner of Housing Advocacy and Community Development
As Ramsey mentioned, the event coincided with national attention on the issue, as the U.S. Supreme Court considers whether cities can ban people from sleeping outside when shelter space is lacking.
Lexington’s Commissioner of Housing Advocacy and Community Development, Charlie Lanter, said the city is still working through exactly how to respond to the state-level legislation.
"Obviously we're going to have to comply with the law, but our priority here today is to make sure that the people know that this isn't something where we're targeting anyone or we're criminalizing them for for being who they are, or the situation that they find themselves in. They are citizens of Lexington just like anything else and they're entitled to be here."
RIGHT NOW: Scenes from a protest of Kentucky’s new sweeping anti-crime bill (HB5) at the Catholic Action Center. pic.twitter.com/32HshuekZ8
— Josh James (@JoshJamesWUKY) April 22, 2024
For now, the city’s proposed budget would nearly double the funding for Lanter’s department. Lexington also plans to reopen its temporary Hope Village again this year, providing shelter through the colder months.
It remains to be seen if HB5 pushes local policymakers to provide even more services.
Proponents of the legislation, which survived a gubernatorial veto in the GOP-led General Assembly, argue that provisions allowing only for street camping in officially designated areas is meant to nudge people toward treatment.
