In this powerful and eye-opening video, we meet Chad, a disabled individual living in a tent in Grants Pass. Chad’s story highlights the harsh realities of being homeless in a community that forces people to relocate their tents every 3 to 5 days, imposing fines and tickets if they don’t comply. Despite his severe disabilities and limited income, Chad must constantly move, a task made even more challenging without adequate support.
Chad’s journey into homelessness began after a severe accident left him with debilitating injuries and chronic pain. Once a truck driver, Chad’s life took a drastic turn when he was rear-ended by a fully loaded tractor-trailer, leading to a series of health complications including lymphedema, severe nerve pain, and multiple other ailments. After fighting for disability benefits for over a decade, Chad now receives disability payments, which are not enough to afford an apartment, a situation faced by many Americans as the cost of rent continues to skyrocket.
Grants Pass is at the forefront of the criminalization of homelessness, as evidenced by the landmark case Johnson vs. Grants Pass, which has reached the Supreme Court. This case underscores the urgent need for housing and support services to address homelessness effectively. Criminalizing homelessness only leads to the growth of homeless camps, not their resolution. Forcing individuals like Chad to move constantly is a form of cruel and unusual punishment and does not offer a real solution to the problem.
Without the intervention of a dedicated medical team and local volunteers, who knows what would happen to Chad and others in similar situations? Chad poignantly states, “We’ve got bare minimum as it is. Like, we have less than our ability to survive.” He describes the reality of living in constant fear of eviction, saying, “We almost feel like a band of roaming gypsies with how law enforcement comes out here…and gives us eviction notices.” The financial strain of homelessness is also starkly highlighted: “It’s extremely expensive to be homeless. You don’t have refrigerators…a hot meal out here is a luxury.”
Join us as we delve into Chad’s story, exploring the systemic issues that perpetuate homelessness and the urgent need for compassionate solutions. Discover how Chad, despite his struggles, remains resilient and hopeful for a better future.
Now is the time to take action. Contact your legislators and urge them to fight against the criminalization of homelessness. Advocate for more affordable housing and support services that can provide real solutions for people like Chad. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that everyone has the opportunity for a stable and dignified life.
