Why is Martin v. City of Boise important?

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in Martin v. City of Boise that enforcement of ordinances that prohibit sleeping or camping on public property against individuals is unconstitutional when those individuals do not have a meaningful alternative, such as a shelter space or a legal place to camp. 

The 2020 point-in-time count found 386 unsheltered individuals in Ventura. Currently, there are three shelters in our City that can house up to 81 people. All shelters are at capacity, and when a spot opens, it is filled near immediately. Due to the shortage of shelter beds compared to the amount unsheltered on our streets, we are bound by this court decision. Enforcement would be illegal. This case was petitioned to the Supreme Court, but it was denied without comments.

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1. How many homeless live in Ventura?
2. What services do we offer homeless individuals?
3. How often do service providers talk to unhoused individuals?
4. Why is Martin v. City of Boise important?
5. Why are people allowed to camp in the park?
6. Why are people living in the river bottom?
7. What is happening with fires in the river bottom?
8. Why does the City allow panhandling?
9. Do we have a sitting/lying ordinance?
10. I hear there are shelter beds available and no one wants to use them, is that true?
11. Are homeless getting the COVID-19 vaccine?
12. How can I help?