Macon-Bibb County organizations weigh in on Supreme Court hearing [Video]

MACON, Ga. — Homeless encampments have been a growing concern in Georgia and across the country. 

Two weeks ago, we reported about concerns over a homeless camp off Emery Highway in East Macon. That resulted in a visit from Macon-Bibb County Code Enforcement. Bibb County spokesman, Chris Floore, told us they had no plan to remove the camp. 

Now, the United States Supreme Court has a decision to make on how local governments can restrict homelessness in public. 

Justices will debate whether cities can issue tickets to people who are camping outside when shelters are full. 

The case comes from a city in Oregon called Grants Pass. The justices heard arguments Monday on whether ticketing those living on the streets counts as “cruel and unusual” punishment and thus violates the Eighth Amendment.

In Macon, Sister Theresa Sullivan is the director of Daybreak,a homelessness center in …