Policy Analysis: Sidewalk Sleeping Ban

This proposed policy in the Empowerment Congress North Area NDC will have many consequences for unhoused people living in this neighborhood. As the Exclusion Area Map demonstrates, unhoused people will be banned from sleeping in a large portion of the neighborhood. This will cause the unhoused population to crowd in areas outside of the exclusion zone. Additionally, there are small portions where sleeping is permitted inside of the exclusion zone. For example, to the west of the University of Southern California, there is a small triangle where sleeping is permissible. Since the triangle is so small, people might struggle to find the exact space where they are allowed to sleep. If they accidentally step into the exclusion area, they could be criminalized, even though they have no way of knowing whether or not they are within 500 feet of the specified locations. Additionally, even if someone wanted to find a homeless shelter, all four homeless shelters are located in the eastern part of the neighborhood, as we can see in Map 1. People in the western part of the neighborhood will have to travel further to seek refuge, or they must resort to finding a place outside of the exclusion zone with very little resources or equipment. Overall, this proposed policy would segregate the unhoused population into specific areas throughout the neighborhood and criminalize those who mistakenly sleep inside of the exclusion zone.