Finding a place to sleep has become a little more difficult for the homeless community. A new law in Missouri went into effect in the new year, making it illegal for homeless people to sleep on state property.Sleeping in places such as public parks or under bridges is a Class C misdemeanor. We exist to help people get out of homelessness.Homelessness is complicated.Some people are at risk and housing alone can’t change their lives,” Berger said. , says that while the law may disperse large camps of homeless people, it will not stop them from living on the streets. We hope that this will send more homeless communities to shelters,” he said. These camps that grow frequently are unsafe. They are not good for people,” he said. He wants the law to be a catalyst for change, but says it can’t be the only tool. When asked about how the new law will be enforced, the KCPD said, “Generally, our Community Interaction Officers, Crisis Intervention Officers, and/or Social Services will be required to actively seek out workers from the House for outreach activities.” Respond to rescue camps and inform them of available resources as time and resources permit. Action can be taken and is being done by an outside entity.”
Finding a place to sleep has become a little more difficult for the homeless community. A new law in Missouri went into effect in the new year making it illegal for homeless people to sleep on state property.
Sleeping in public parks, under bridges, etc. is a class C misdemeanor.
“We exist to help people get out of homelessness. Homelessness is complicated. Some people are at risk and housing alone cannot change their lives.”
Berger says the law may disperse large camps of homeless people, but it won’t stop them from living on the streets.
“It is encouraged to do more to not allow people to stay in such dangerous environments, and to create encouragement for people to get out of such situations.”
He said he hopes this will encourage the homeless community to be sent to more shelters.
“We want them to be served. These camps are often enlarged and unsafe. They are not good for the people,” he said.
He hopes the law will be a catalyst for change, but says it’s not the only tool.
“How can we get them out of homelessness? That has to be the focus,” Berger said.
The first violation is a warning. The second means a fine of up to $750 or 15 days in prison.
I have asked the KCPD how they will implement the new law.
“In general, our Community Relations Officers, Crisis Intervention Officers, and/or Social Workers will proactively respond to houseless camps for outreach activities, as time and resources permit, and Makes you aware of available resources.
“Of course, if a crime is committed or requested by an outside agency, we can take enforcement action to keep the peace.”
