Letter to the New Orleans Housing & Human Needs Committee Opposing an Anti-Camping Ordinance 

On April 23, 2008, NLCHP and a dozen allied groups sent a letter to the New Orleans Housing and Human Needs Committee opposing a proposed anti-camping ordinance. The ordinance contains constitutionally problematic provisions and threatens the rights of homeless persons in New Orleans.  The letter argues that, given the dire shortage of housing in New Orleans, the City should be pursuing a more constructive approach to the issue, such as dedicating resources to providing affordable housing to its homeless residents.

British Columbia Supreme Court Decision Protecting Right to Shelter in City Parks

On October 14, 2008, the Supreme Court of British Columbia handed down a decision finding unconstitutional a Victoria city ordinance which prohibits using "temporary abodes" like tents for shelter in parks and public spaces in the absence of adequate shelter beds.  The court interpreted the Canadian Charter of Rights in light of Canada's international human rights obligations, finding the rights to life, liberty, and security of person were infringed by the ordinance.  The City of Victoria is appealing the ruling to the Canadian Supreme Court.