ROANOKE, Va. – A state bill under consideration could change Roanoke’s ordinance that currently makes it a Class 4 misdemeanor for homeless individuals to camp on sidewalks in downtown Roanoke. (https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2021/12/06/roanoke-city-council-passes-ordinance-banning-people-from-sleeping-on-sidewalks/)
The proposed legislation would prohibit local governments from penalizing people based on their housing status for essential life-sustaining activities, such as sleeping or resting in public places or legally parked cars, unless they create hazardous traffic obstruction. (https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1394)
“If you’re homeless, you don’t own anything. You don’t have property,” says Charles Adams, who is currently homeless and receives services through the Least of These Ministry…