As you’re driving in your city it is very possible you’ve seen homeless people camped not far from major highways. This situation is dangerous for all concerned. If one of the homeless wanders too close to traffic both they and drivers could be affected in a very negative way.

Many cities deal with this issue by making certain areas a camping zone for the homeless. This also is an aid to those trying to assist the homeless, as their centralized location makes delivery of services, food and equipment that much easier.

California, a state with an epidemic of homelessness because of misguided economic policies, had no centralization effort in place. Thus the homeless are camped in areas where they are in danger and can put others in danger. A judge in L.A. has ordered that to be stopped not only regarding the issues of proximity to traffic but also in regards to the threat posed by the possible spread of coronavirus.

Various media sources report that U.S. District Judge David O. Carter issued an injunction on Friday due to the risk that the coronavirus has in the area.  A local newspaper reported that Carter issued guidelines for the city to adhere to, including proper social distancing at these locations, adequate hygiene options, medical care, and security.

Carter wrote, it is “unreasonably dangerous for humans to live in areas that may, for example, be contaminated with lead or other carcinogenic substances. However, as with many issues involving individuals experiencing homelessness, no party appears to be addressing this problem with any urgency. The court hereby ORDERS that this subset of individuals experiencing homelessness be relocated away from freeway overpasses, underpasses, and ramps.”

This is a proactive measure that not only speaks to the immediate issue of the spread of coronavirus, it also addresses the underlying issue of the locations of homeless camps.

Homeless advocates see this as a double edged sword. On one hand they are pleased that the homeless are being put out of harm’s way. They also applaud the judge for ordering basic humanitarian services. On the other hand some homeless advocacy groups see a danger in the homeless being moved around like cattle at the whim of a judge. Says one person who requested anonymity, who ran a homeless shelter for several years, “This could establish a bad precedent, as one judicial decision could mandate the homeless move here, another there, as the homeless become pawns in a game of NIMBY and legal politics.”

These issues will continue until liberal states like California, with cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco with dreadful public sanitation and homeless problems, do more than react to the homeless issue and make systemic changes to their shelter programs and statewide economic policies.

Shelter programs must have an emphasis into reintegration into society, not a never-ending handout of shelter, food, and services. But most importantly, states must stop bringing on homelessness to their own residents by the promulgation of socialist economic edicts and regulations that result in destitution.

This piece was written by PoliZette Staff on May 18, 2020. It originally appeared in LifeZette and is used by permission.

Read more at LifeZette:
Stanford University Doctor speaks out, says ‘you are mistaken’ if you believe COVID-19 lockdowns increase safety
Newsom plans to slash $19 billion from schools, give $75 million to illegal aliens
Liberal reporter tries to corner Kayleigh McEnany on ‘Obamagate’ crimes: It immediately backfires

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Steve Gruber.