Lawsuit: Protecting People with Disabilities who are Homeless
Everyone deserves the opportunity to live with dignity and security, and we all need a roof over our heads to have opportunities to thrive. But rising costs of rent, groceries, and bills have put a strain on Oregonians. Our social safety nets are broken, and Oregon’s most vulnerable citizens are paying the price — sometimes with their lives.
Instead of seeking solutions, the City of Grants Pass is cruelly and illegally threatening the lives of homeless residents with disabilities by recent closing of one of its only two sanctioned camps and limiting camping to only overnight. The remaining camp is an overcrowded gravel lot unprotected from harsh winter weather, and lacks basic necessities including drinking water. If people are not able to comply, they could face citations, $75 fines, and 30-day exclusions from the camp.
Without adequate and accessible shelter space available, forcing a person using a wheelchair or someone with a chronic illness to pack and move their belongings daily is not just impossible, it is illegal and inhumane.
This lawsuit against the City of Grants Pass seeks an immediate temporary restraining order to stop the city’s actions. Co-counsel in this case are attorneys from the Oregon Law Center.
Case Documents
Disability Rights Oregon et al. v. City of Grants Pass, No. 25CV05989
February 3, 2025: Motion for Temporary Restraining Order
January 30, 2025: Complaint
Press Release
Media Coverage
February 3, 2025: Oregon judge pauses camping ban enforcement in city at heart of Supreme Court homelessness ruling
February 3, 2025: Judge bars Grants Pass from taking any enforcement action against homeless campers for 2 weeks
January 31, 2025: Oregon cities want more money for roads and sewers, more leeway to remove homeless camps
January 30, 2025: Fresh lawsuit hits Oregon city at the heart of Supreme Court ruling on homeless encampments
January 30, 2025: A Grants Pass case before the Supreme Court will decide if punishing homeless residents is cruel and unusual
January 30, 2025: Disabled homeless residents sue Grants Pass over camping restrictions
January 30, 2025: Grants Pass homeless policies face a new court challenge
January 30, 2025: Disability rights group files lawsuit against Grants Pass over camping closures
January 30, 2025: A new lawsuit alleges Grants Pass’ camping ban discriminates against people with disabilities
