KENNEWICK, Wash. – The City of Kennewick has updated its municipal code regarding public camping. The changes now allow police to take action against those camping on public grounds without requiring the city to offer alternative housing options.
Dana Dollarhyde, public information officer with the City of Kennewick, explained the city’s approach.
“However, the city does take a holistic approach on this matter, and we do offer services… many of them are refused, but we do have a more holistic view on this than, say, the federal or state that are imposing us to have,” said Dollarhyde.
These changes follow a decision made three months ago in the case of City of Grants Pass, Ore. vs. Johnson. Judges decided that laws against camping on public property do not constitute cruel and unusual punishment.
An anonymous resident of Kennewick experiencing homelessness expressed their frustration with the city’s efforts.
“Wherever we go, the cops are kicking everybody out… and pushing us out somewhere else… It’s just because the city doesn’t want the homeless in town… I’ve been waiting for housing for like, five years now,” said the resident.
While Kennewick, Pasco and Richland have anti-sit laws, none of the cities have low-barrier shelters. Low-barrier shelters are places where people can go without having to meet certain qualifications or follow specific rules.
The City does not plan to add any shelters soon. Instead, it relies on nonprofit partners to help fill in the gaps.
