HomeMy WebLinkAboutStudy Session MINASHLAND CITY COUNCIL
STUDY SESSION MINUTES
Monday,May 18,2026
Council Chair Dahle called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
Council Present: Mayor Graham (via zoom) and Councilors Dahle, Bloom, DuQuenne, Hansen, Sherrell,
and Kaplan.
Staff Present:
Sabrina Cotta City Manager
Jordan Rooklyn Deputy City Manager
Johan Pietila City Attorney
I. Call to Order
II. Reports and Presentations
a. Legal Framework for Camping Ordinance and Addressing Issues Related to the
Unhoused Population of Ashland
Pietila presented a review of the legal landscape governing municipal camping regulation in Oregon,
with a focus on Ashland's current ordinance and the Night Lawn designated camping space
presentation in agenda packet). Key points of the presentation included:
Objective Reasonableness Standard: Oregon law mandates that camping restrictions be
objectively reasonable with respect to time, place,and manner, lacking a statutory checklist.
The focus is on linkage to public interests like safety, sanitation, environmental and public use.
Ashland Ordinance Adequacy:The ordinance is described as both well-crafted and legally
robust, incorporating deliberated features such as the Night Lawn for lawful rest, effective
property removal, and a low fine structure.
Minimum Legal Responsibilities:The City must ensure (1) avenues for humane rest, (2) that
restrictions connect to public interests, (3) effective notice and property procedures, (4)
attention to ADA and site conditions, (5) document factual records and actions.
State-Created Danger Doctrine: Liability arises if city actions worsen existing hazards, stressing
responsible Night Lawn management to lower risk related to sanitation or pests.
ADA and Safety Concerns: Discussion covered both existing obligations and the City's response
to specific requests,considering scenarios like morning timing needs and pesticide concerns.
Women's safety and other vulnerabilities on the Night Lawn were highlighted, although outside
ADA purview.
Operational Costs Insight: Expenditures rose from $5,000 in 2023 to an estimated $60,000 by
2025-2026,excluding full personnel costs,with significant officer hours dedicated to related
issues.Ashland's officer numbers are below national recommendations when including
student and tourist populations.
City Comparisons: Tigard's model with defined parameters and Medford's use of partner
networks like Rogue Retreat demonstrate successful homeless services investments.
Council discussion covered several intersecting themes: A central policy question was framed as a
two-part inquiry: (1) Does the Council want a designated camping area? and (2) If so, should it be
City Council Study Session
May 18,2026
Page 1 of 3
managed by the City orbyun outside partner? Kwas cautioned against evaluating the Night Lawn in
isolation,emphasizing that decisions should b* made in the context of the broader continuum of
homeless services, including the 2200 Ashland Street building and existing partner programs.There
was a preference for having community partners,who are subject matter experts,to inform what a
more integrated approach could look like before the Council narrows its options.The consensus was
that the City should not be managing the Night Lawn directly,and regional partnerships were
advocated as the preferred model.There was an indication of readiness to answer the question of
whether a designated space is needed, affirming that it is. Support was expressed for moving forward,
and emphasized the need for o broad,non-biased process for the next phase uf work. |twas
suggested that the question,what the Night Lawn is for and whether it should continue,is the essential
first question, and that the next study session should be structured to allow each Council member to
speak directly to that question after receiving staff and partner input.
Dan Cano, Executive Director of OHRA,addressed the Council,confirming OHRA's willingness to
manage the Night Lawn if asked, but cautioning that quality management requires adequate funding.
He noted that even with Rogue Retreat's extensive presence,visible homelessness remains a
persistent reo|h» in Medford and urged realistic expectations. He estimated the winter 22OO Ashland
Street shelter cost approximately$100,000-$140,000 over four months and noted OHRA currently
spends approximately $1,500/month managing the storage shed alone. He also noted the importance
of eventually formalizing volunteer engagement,considering new SNAP work requirements that may
require unhouaed individuals to document activity hours.
Public Comment
Citizens addressed the Council and offered perspectives on Ashland's approach to homelessness.A
shift from law enforcement to direct services was urged while highlighting deficiencies in affordable
housing. It was pointed out that current police activities equate to about two full-time positions and
suggested reallocating resources.There was emphasis on the need for truly affordable housing,such
as single-room occupancies,to support elderly and disabled community members with limited
incomes.An example from Minnesota of issuing camping permits to segments of the homeless
population was mentioned as a model for organizing services based on specific needs. It was noted
that the council had previously reduced the homeless budget by $lOO,OOO New
improved operations with bity clearance by 8 am, and enhanced signage at Garfield Park contributing
tnm more orderly environment.
Council agreed to extend the Study Session by0minutes.
Direction to Staff and Next Steps
Council reached consensus on the following direction and next steps:
Staff is directed to reach out to regional partners such as OHRA, Rogue Retreat,the Ashland
Public Library,to gather input on how existing City resources (land,funding,the 2200 building,
and the Night Lawn space) could be used most effectively within the continuum of homeless
services.And return with options to the June l study session.
DuQuenne's June I presentation item will be moved to the July 20,2026 study session to
accommodate this discussion.
City Council Study Session
May r42O20
Page 2uf3
Councilors are to reflect on their personal ideas for desired outcomes. Pietila will coordinate
with the City Manager to develop a brief survey or questions for Council members to
individually reflect on the purpose and desired outcomes of a designated camping space.
III. Adjournment of Study Session.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 pm.
0 -1 -(, I A
City Recorder Alissa Kolodzinski Mayor Tonya Graham
City Council Study Session
May 78,2026
Page 3 of 3
or- SPEAKER REQUEST FORMq_-Submit this form to the meeting Secretary
prior to the discussion item.
1)You will be called forward when it is your turn to speak
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Ashland Resident:
0 YES NO City:
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leave.
Disclaimer: By submitting this request to address the Public Body, I
agree that I will refrain from the use of any obscene, vulgar, or
profane language. I understand that if I do not follow procedure my
speaking time may be terminated, and I may be requested to sit down
or leave the building.
SPEAKER REQUEST FORM
Submit this form to the meeting Secretary prior
to the discussion item.
1)You will be called forward when it is your turn to speak
2) State your name and speak clearly into the microphone
3) Limit your comments to the time allotted
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5) Speakers are solely responsible for the content of their statement
Date:
Name: (Please Plaint)
aAX5 V't7_
Ashland Resident:
YES NO City:
Agenda Topic/Item Number:
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kAS 1 h C LL, 5 I in A5 I a 1,1
Please respe the order of proceedings and strictly follow the
directions of the presiding officer. Behavior or actions which are loud
or disruptive are disrespectful and offenders will be requested to leave.
Disclaimer: By submitting this request to address the Public Body, I
agree that I will refrain from the use of any obscene, vulgar, or
profane language. I understand that if I do not follow procedure my
speaking time may be terminated, and I may be requested to sit down
or leave the building.
SPEAKER REQUEST FORM
IFF Submit this form to the meeting Secretary prior
to the discussion item.
1)You will be called forward when it is your turn to speak
2) State your name and speak clearly into the microphone
3) Limit your comments to the time allotted
4) Provide any written materials to the meeting Secretary
5) Speakers are solely responsible for the content of their statement
Date:
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j de" LqWh
Public Forum Topic (Non-agenda Item):
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directions of the presiding officer. Behavior or actions which are loud
or disruptive are disrespectful and offenders will be requested to leave.
Disclaimer: By submitting this request to address the Public Body, I
agree that I will refrain from the use of any obscene, vulgar, or
profane language. I understand that if I do not follow procedure my
speaking time may be terminated, and I may be requested to sit down
or leave the building.
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SPEAKER REQUEST FORM
Submit this form to the meeting Secretary prior
to the discussion item.
1)You will be called forward when it is your turn to speak
2) State your name and speak clearly into the microphone
3) Limit your comments to the time allotted
4) Provide any written materials to the meeting Secretary
5) Speakers are solely responsible for the content of their statement
Date:
I g I a
Name: (Please Print)
Ashland Resident:
YES NO City:
Agenda Topic/Item Number-
PublicFFooru Topic (Non-agenda Item):
Please respect the order of proceedings and strictly follow the
directions of the presiding officer. Behavior or actions which are loud
or disruptive are disrespectful and offenders will be requested to leave.
Disclaimer: By submitting this request to address the Public Body, I
agree that I will refrain from the use of any obscene, vulgar, or
profane language. I understand that if I do not follow procedure my
speaking time may be terminated, and I may be requested to sit down
or leave the building.
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DISABILITY0 RIGHTS STRATEGIES0
Q . 0 0 0 8 N N N 0 FOR
0 JK0 »~N N = ~ J~
B 0 RESIDENTS00 ~ N 0
Bv Michelle Lbeta,Executive Director,Disability Rights strategies to ensure that responses tohomelessness
Education and Defense Fund(]REDF) respect the rights, needs,and dignity ofdisabled
residente
Disabilitysab( 0 ^
ty & Homelessnessessness
Across the United States,the chmina|izaton of
homelessness has intensified.Cities are expanding Are ~_ `~ ~- . . ^ . ^~~ . ~~ ~ . . . ~.
and-campingoodinances conducting large-scale
encampment removals,and increasing police
Homelessness in the United States reached a modern
involvement in public space management.These high i»the
practices fall hardest on people with disabilities,who with approximately 771'48Upeople
are dramatically overrepresented among unhouse6 experiencing homelessness ona single night-an 1O96
adults nationwide and who face heightened risks when
increase from the previous year.Roughly 36%were
enforcement escalates. National data consistently shows unsheltered, living in places not meantfurhuman
that chronic illness, mobility limitations, psychiatric habitation. Disabled people make up a strikingly large
disabilities, cognitive disabilities,and aging-related share of this population: national data indicate that
impairments are both pathways into homelessness and roughly 44-50%ofunhouse6 adults report having
conditions that make survival on the streets far more disability,compared to about 16%of the general adult
dangerous. population.
Yet disability is rarely centered in policy responses Several structural and systemic factors help explain this
to homelessness-even though disability civil disproportionate representation:
rights laws offer some nf the strongest protections Lack of Affordable Housing:The primary cause of
available to unhoused residents Strict current levels of homelessness is the unaffordab|e
deadlines, inaccessible shelter systems,the seizure
housing rnorket.(
ofnnedica||y necessary equipment, and'
JointCenter
Lu offer reasonable rnoddlcatonscanaUvi|atethe
for Housing Studies of Harvard University(February 12,
Americans with Disabilities Act"(A[)A)' Section 504 2O24).The United States has a shortage of7.3million
uf the"Rehabilitation Act"andt e ''FairHousing/\ct^rental homes affordable and available to renters with
Recent case law confirms that,even after the US
extremely low incomes-that is, incomes atorbelow
Supreme Court's decision in Grants Pass xJohnson
either the federal poverty guideline or3O%oftheir
narrowed some constitutional arguments, disability area median income,whichever ix greater(
rights claims remain apowe u| avenue for challenging
harmful enforcement practices and securing meaningful
n|y34 affordable and available rental homes exist for
accommodations.
every 1OO extremely low-income renter households.
This article explains why disability and homelessness are Extremely low-income renters face a shortage in
deeply interconnected, how crinnina|izationcompounds every state and major metropolitan area.The lack of
disability-based inequities'and how federal disability affordable and available rental housing presents a
rights laws can be used to protect unhouaedpeople. particularly onerous barrier to people with disabilities, a
t provides advocates with updated national data, a community that experience poverty at rates higher than
summary of recent case law(2023-2O26)' and practical non-disabled people, as discussed below.
NATIONAL LOW INCOME HOUSING COALITION 6'1
CHAPTER8:SPECIAL HOUSING ISSUES
People with disabilities disproportionately Taken together,these factors demonstrate that disability
live in poverty,creating significant barriers tosecuring ia not a marginal aspect of the homelessness crisis but a
and maintaining housing, |n2823. more than 2498of central structural driver.
adults with disabilities lived below the federal poverty
line-more than twice the rate of nondisabled adults
Many rely
Intensifies~^onSup em| 3e h|nmme(5S|)ben 0o n ]s Harm
meet basic needs. |nan ongoing study,the Technical
Assistance Collaborative found that"there isnoUnited Throughout 2O24and 2025, as homelessness rose,
States housing market in which a person living solely on many cities responded 6v increasing encampment
S5|]can afford o safe,decent apartment without rental abatements, intensifying anti-camping enforcement,
assistance^(and expanding restrictions on sleeping orresting in
wi-th resources/ public spaces. Reporting from statewide and national
outlets documented significant growth in sweeps and
enforcement activity following the U.S.Supreme Court's
Inaccessibility:Affordable housing that is physically decision in
accessible and accommodates disability-related needs
isextnenne|yecance(U.S. Dep1.OfHousingondUrban withmany|oca{itieoacce|erating
Development,^ clearance operations in the months that followed.
Reoorl,to The most
recent comprehensive structural-accessibility survey These enforcement practices carry profound civil
estimates that fewer than 5%of homes meet basic rights and public health consequences,particularly for
accessibility criteria, and just 0.15%are fully wheelchair disabled residents.
accessible(A,
Property loss:Court filings and advocacy reports
I I
shmvvthat sweeps rou ne|ylead to the destruction of
1[/\.)
medications, mobility devices, medical equipment
Discrimination: Disability is also the moet6equent|y
identification documents,and records-items that
cited basis for housing discrimination complaints inthe are medically necessary and often irreplaceable. See
United States; more than half(5SY6)of all fair housing National Health Care for the Homeless Cound|'s
complaints in2O24 involved disability discrimination Impact
Litigation in San Francisco and elsewhere highlights
the need for property-protection procedures such ay
bag'and{aQ"systems to prevent these losses.See,
Health and Support Needs: Health and support needs e.Q,aa 1leuIeL3t( in Coalition pn
play a significant role.Chronic illnesses, psychiatric Homelessness, et al. x City and County ofSan Francisco,
disabilities,developmental disabilities,and sensory e a/
disabilities may come with mobility limitations, reliance
on medical equipment,ur the need for reasonable Health Impacts:Sweeps disrupt medical routines,
accommodations, reasonable modifications'or interrupt access to care, eliminate refrigeration
consistent care.These realities make securing and needed for medications, and increase exposure to
maintaining housing more difficult-and losing housing extreme weather. For individuals with chronic health
far more dangerous, conditions,weakened immune systems,orpsychiatric
disabilities, even a single displacement can trigger
Bureaucratic Barriers: Even when benefits orhousing cascading medical crises. Seethe American Public
programs exist,delays,denials,and inaccessible Hea|thAssmdadon's
administrative systems can interrupt long-term stability. FuLLI iic
8-2 | 2O26 ADVOCATES' GUIDE
NLIHC's!a e?-c}_ it s i creas i.'tfs!c% e _ _ t,
5 tta(, aSS iT 1[; n;tCn 2 ) 7 7 i SDisability Laws-a
t s:,
j,tr.ee. nA )r sisyrA DurableTool
Making a Bad SituationtrM2a ( tigs:k.
rnla;ra`s,'%amalartiale-abstract%2SOS =O}, and Despite significant shifts in constitutional doctrine
j earthtraact of Streut S,1,eg s-arn tie Pe fallowing Grants Pass v.Johnson,disability civil rights
of Healffica,e Providers{s?s-,//hnk sprin r,cvm/laws remain among the most powerful and durable
ci ' 7La1 22 01 1-Y), tools available to protect unhoused residents from
discriminatory enforcement and its myriad harms.The
Practical Barriers: Policies that require rapid
ADA,Section 504 of the"Rehabilitation Act,"and state
movement, limit allowable belongings,or prohibit anti-discrimination statutes continue to impose clear,
storing bedding or tents can be impossible for those
affirmative obligations on public entities—including
who need time,physical assistance,wheelchair-
cities,counties,and law enforcement—to ensure
accessible transportation,or the ability to remain
that their policies and practices do not exclude or
close to caregivers or service providers. Recent
disproportionately burden people with disabilities.
injunctions—most notably in =zed v_'...C-iv of
Vallejo,( ttas 1cdn.c . ,,sco rts.Liov/datast .re/" Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA)—Title 11:
amen:aYa.nc t C;'_ , -,S- —recognize that Prohibits discrimination by state and local governments,
failure to consider these needs can violate the ADA. including preventing laws and practices that
Compounded Barriers to Services and Housing:
disproportionately burden people with disabilities.
Frequent displacement disrupts continuity of care, Section 504 of the"Rehabilitation Act": Bars
makes it harder to gather documentation needed for discrimination by entities receiving federal funding.
benefits or housing applications, and undermines long- Substantively, liability under Section 504 and Title Il
term housing stability.When people lose ID or medical of the ADA are analyzed similarly.Pierce v.County of
records in a sweep,their ability to enroll in programs or Orange,526 F.3d 1190, 1216 n.27(9th Cir.2008).
prove disability for housing eligibility is
directly impeded. State Anti-Discrimination Statutes: For example,
Government Code Section 11135 in California
Criminal Records and Fines:Arrests or citations for incorporates ADA principles and prohibits disability
illegal camping"or related infractions create collateral discrimination by state-funded or assisted programs.
consequences—criminal records,fines,and barriers
to employment or housing—which in turn exacerbate
Under the ADA,enforcement activities such as anti-
disability-related poverty and instability. camping ordinances, encampment sweeps,and other
policing of public spaces are considered covered
These enforcement practices do not reduce services, programs, or activities," meaning that public
homelessness;they amplify health risks,destabilize entitles must carry out these actions in ways that do not
lives, and disproportionately affect people with discriminate against people with disabilities. Even when
disabilities,often transforming enforcement into an ordinance does not explicitly target disabled people,
disability discrimination in practice and law.it can still violate the ADA if it disproportionately harms
them—a concept known as disparate impact.
Because unhoused people with disabilities often cannot
comply with rigid relocation timelines or physically
demanding requirements, public entities are legally
required to provide reasonable modifications to avoid
NATIONAL LOW INCOME HOUSING COALITION 1 6-3
CHAPTER 6;SPECIAL HOUSING ISSUES
discrimination.These may include additional time to Disability Rights Oregon v.City of Grants Pass,No.
move, physical assistance, preservation ufmedications 25CV05989(Josephioe Cnty.Ci:[t Jan.3O,2025):
or medical devices'or permitting tents, bedding, Disability Rights Oregon secured a landmark settlement
ur other disability-related equipment.Courts have requiring the City of Grants Pass tocreate 15DADA-
nepeatod|y affirmed these obligations,demonstrating compliant camping sites-an example of disability law
that disability civil rights laws remain one of the strongest, producing tangible infrastructure changes.
yet underutilized,tools for pushing back against the
Alfred uCtyufVaU m'Nos`2:24-cvO3817-QC CB
crimina|izadonofhune|essnesawhenenforcemmn1
ED | >(pna| |nignante6Feb7 202S)(gthC i
practices dispnopo iona1e|yharm disabled people.
dismissal as moot Oct.15,2D25):Court halted asweep
Key case examples include: for likely failure to provide reasonable accommodations.
Cooley x City of Los Angeles,No.2:1M-cv-O9U53' 0 Hnpsekeys Action Network Denver n City&County
CAS-pLA,2U1gU.S.Dist LEX|S13587J(C.D.Cal.Aug. of Denver,No.1:2S-cv-DU822(C\Colo.filed Feb.25'
5,2019): Finding that demanding that a person with 2O25): Case challenging discriminatory barriers to
a physical disability remove all belongings before a shelter access for disabled people.
sweep-without offering accommodations-violated
Together,these cases suggest post-Grants Passt6eADA.
landscape inwhich individualized disability claims are
Coalition on Homelessness n City and County ofSan often the most effective-and sometimes the only-legal
Francisco,No.4:22-o+O6502(N.D.Cal.filed Sept.27, avenue for protecting un6ousnd disabled residents.
2O22)(stipulated final judgment entered September
22'2O2S): Case asserting 4DA claims and highlighting J f^(~,^ ^« L~ ^| ~\/Practices- ~~ ..~~~ ~~ . . ^ ^
due process protections around p,opa yand the
InformedJ Advocacycriticalrolenf"6ag'an6-tag^ procedures. Fl | l \/--l/
Y
w Pradov-City of Berkeley,No.3:23-o+O4537(N.D.Cal. Effective disability-informed advocacy starts with
filed Sept.37,2O23):Court allowed AOA'Section 5O4' identifying disabi|iLy-rm|ated needs through trauma-
Fair Housing Act,and constitutional claims tomove informed screening, including physical, mental health,
forward, underscoring the importance ofmulti-theory cognitive,ur sensory disabilities and reliance mnmedical
litigation. devices or support networks,Advocates should submit
reasonable modification re uestsear| specifving
Boyd
adjustments.
U.S.Dist.LEX|S18B33S(N.D.Cal.(ct
harmful practices and needed ad
1V'O 3>t6e
court issued a preliminary injunction after finding that Gathering evidence-medical records, mobility
camping-space density restrictions had adisparate limitations,equipment documentation,and past harm-
impact onunhouoe6disab|e6nesi6entswhonee6ed strengthens AOA, Section 5O4 Fair andstate-
proximity tooareBiversandaupportnetworks. law claims.When accommodations are denied, litigation
Tyson u City of San Bernardino,No.5:23-o°O153g
may be necessary to secure relief.
C.D.Cal.Aug.2,2O23)(dismissed Oct.2V'2024): Beyond individual cases,this evidence can drive
Lawsuit resulting inafirs of-its-kin6agreement, systemic change.Advocates can push for low-barrier
creating a new citywide po|icy(https://tcee/D794OC) shelters,safe-parking programs, housing-first policies,
on the city's response to encampments that will prevent and anti-displacement measures while building
the destruction ofunhouse6 people's personal property partnerships with disability organizations,service
and ensure San Bernardino provides reasonable providers, legal aid,and community coalitions to
accommodations tuunhouse6 people with disabilities. advance rights-based solutions.
6-4 ( 2O26 ADVOCATES' GUIDE
The checklist below breaks these principles into protection of disability rights in enforcement, and
concrete actions that advocates can use toidentify expanded access to affordable,accessible housing.
needs, document harms, and pursue legal and policy
Raise public awareness&build cross-sector coalitions
remedies.
Engage with disability rights organizations,
Screen for disability and disability-related needs-Use homeless services providers,public defenders, local
outreach, intake forms or interviews to identify ifan government,community groups,and media toshow
unhouned individual has a disability(physica|,mental how crimina|ization disproportionately harms disabled
health,cognitive,sensory,etc)mr relies on disability-individuals and to build support for rights-based
related devices orsupport. Recognizing disability is alternatives,
often the first step toward requesting protection under
disability law. Sam }| Reasonable
Request reasonable modifications oraccommodations Accommodationn
early- Ro person issuL ecttoacannpingban,
encampment sweep,or other enforcement,submit a Request*f U tf r
reasonable mu6iGcationrequest tu the public entity
dty,county,law enfoncement).This could include Date]
extra time to relocate,assistance with moving items,
To:
permission to keep medical equipment nr bedding,or
Name of Public Agency/Department]
alternative accessible shelter/housing options..4sample
A66nss,or Email, if known]
request is included below,though it should benoted
that requests do not have to6e/n writing,and can be Re:Request for Reasonable Accommodation During
made verbally,even when a sweep is/nprogress. Encampment Enforcement/Relocation
When possible,document the impact-Gather Dear[Agcncy/Offida| Name]:
evidence of how anti-camping laws orsweeps
dispropurtiona||y burden the person: medical needs, am writing to request reasonable accommodations under
mobility limitations, reliance onassistiva devices,need the Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA)and Section
for proximity to caregivers or services,orchallenges 5O4of the Rehabilitation Act related to[the planned
caused by frequent displacement.Documentation encampment sweep/enforcement action/relocation
strengthens claims under ADA/Section504. order]at[|ocation].
Use legal action where appropriate-Kmodifications ama person with a disability. k4y disability includes:
are denied or accommodations not provided,advocates Describe disability or functional limitation in plain terms-
may bring claims under ADA, Section 504,and state for example:mobility limitations,chronic illness,mental
anti-discrimination laws(where avai|o6{e).Courts have
health disability,sensory or cognitive disability,reliance
previously granted injunctive relief and damages in on medical equipment,etr.]
similar cases.
ampmvi6inS this info,madonso that you can un6e t n6
46vocoteforpn(icyreform-Deyondin6iviJua| cases,
use findings from outreach and litigation topush
the accommodations| need in order to safely comply with
your directives.
for structural change: repeal of anti-camping laws,
adoption of fair and humane alternatives(safe parking Because ofmydisability, | am unable to comply with the
programs'|ow'barriersha|te,s' housing-first policies), current relocation requirements as written.Specifically,|
need the following accommodations:
NATIONAL LOW |MCDK8E HOUSING COALITION | 8'5
CHAPTER&m SPECIAL HOUSING ISSUES
Requested Accommodations(select orcvgombe): You may contact meat:
Additional time to pack,organize,or relocate my Phone(if nvai|o6|o):
belongings.
Email(if avai|a6|e):
Assistance with moving belongings and/or medically
Alternative contact
necessary equipment.
person(optional):
Permission tostay temporarily|namaccessible
location until safe and appropriate shelter or housing is Thank you for your prompt attention to this ADA
available.
accommodation request,
Access toan accessible placement(e.g,ADA- Sincerely,
compliant shelter 6e6 non-congregate Name]
accommodation for a service animal,accommodation
for medical devices requiring electricity,etc).Location:[Encampment location/cross streets]
Storage ofmy property—including medication,mobility Optional Attachment(Advocates May A66):
devices,important documents,or medical equipment—
Medical verification letter
soitis not lost,damaged,ordestroyed.
Advance notice mf any enforcement actions in List of medically necessary equipment
accessible formats(written.verbal,large print,*tc.). Copy of prior accommodation requests
Other accommodations needed because ofmy
disability: Advocate Takeaways
Describe]
1. Even in the shifting legal environment,disability
These accommodations are necessary for memzsafely rights remain among the strongest tools available
comply with your policies and to avoid harm resulting to advocates,Courts consistently affirm that public
from my disability.Without them, |cannot mectthestated entities must consider disability-related needs before
deadlines orrequirements. conducting sweeps or enforcing camping bans.
Documented requests for reasonable modifications—
Under t6eADAan6Seotion5O4'pu6|icentitiesmust
such as extra time,physical assistance,access to
provide reasonable accommodations unless doing so medical equipment,or alternative shelter—can trigger
would fundamentally alter the program or create anundue legal obligations and often determine the success ofa
burden,Please let me know|n writing ifyou believe any case.Advocates should encourage clients toarticulate
requested accommodation cannot 6o provided and please these needs clearly,even informally.
propose any available alternatives that would meet my
disability-related needs, 2. Litigation is most effective when it combines multiple
legal theories.4.O4 and Section 5O4 claims can 6e
ask that you respond to this request as soon aspossible,
reinforced through Fair Housing Act arguments, Fourth
and before taking any enforcement action that could affect and Fourteenth Amendment claims related toproperty
me,my property,ormysafety. and due process'and state law claims requiring notice'
o 6 i6| i Robustpropertystorage, accessible
documentation—from medical records to descriptions
of mobility limitations or reliance on support networks—
often plays adecisive role in securing injunctions or
settlements.
6-8 i 2O26 ADVOCATES' GUIDE
3. Courts increasingly recognize that sweeps uniquely disability-conscious advocacy backed 6vcareful
harm disabled residents through the loss of medical documentation,community collaboration,and structural
devices,disruption of care, and the trauma ofsudden reform. Public entities have clear legal obligations,
displacement.Advocates should frame these harms and advocates have a strong framework for holding
explicitly as disability discrimination and emphasize that governments accountable while advancing housing
Grants Pass does not diminish ADAprotections. justice for disabled residents.
4. Improved data collection—including disability
F y.yYl.^y
screening,a6 ngnfaccomnnodadonrequeo,
u` ~~ ' -~ n ' ' / ~~ ' ' ^ '~° ~^ ' ^
documentation medical
For more information on how to use disabUhx
ofshekeraccessi6i|hy—is essential for both litigation rights laws to challenge punitive policing and the
and policy reform.[nosu-o*c1oroo||a o inn with
crimina|izadonof disabled unhoused people contact:
healthcare providers, harm reduction teams,disability Disability
service agencies,
Tuconnectwithodvocatesac/ossthenation
docunoentetionand helps tailor mo6i cationreque
g'
working 10 end homelessness and advocate for housing
5. Engaging municipalities early can lead tomeaningful asa human right,visit
reforms,such au establishing written reasonable
accommodation policies,embedding 4`D/\coordinators
in homelessness response teams, improving advance-
notice procedures,and ensuring safe storage of
personal property.While preventing harmful sweeps
is urgent,long-term goals should include accessible
shelter design,reformed camping ordinances,
improved coordinated entry systems,and expanded
permanent supportive housing for disabled residents.
Conclusion
Criminalizing homelessness does nothing toaddress
its root causes: lack of affordable housing, inadequate
shelter capacity, insufficient disability and healthcare
supports, deep economic inequality,and systemic
ob|eisnn. For disabled people,chmina|izaton magnifies
instability,worsens health,strips away essential
devices and documentation, and entrenches long-term
exclusion.
Even after Grants Pass, disability rights laws remain
powerful. Reasonable modifications can halt harmful
sweeps; enforcement that disregards disability can
constitute unlawful discrimination; and multi-theory
litigation continues to win meaningful protections.
Grounding advocacy in disability civil rights is not only
a legally effective strategy—it isa moral imperative.
Upholding the dignity,safety, and human rights
ofunhoused disabled people requires persistent,
NATIONAL LOW INCOME HOUSING COALITION 6'7
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