As for SPSSI’s future, the need for our work could not be clearer. I offer an example that hit close to my heart - the Supreme Court’s recent Grants Pass v Johnson ruling. The case hinged on whether imposing criminal penalties on behaviors such as public sleeping or camping violates the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment when applied to people experiencing homelessness. In what may be the biggest decision on homelessness in decades, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a lower court decision, effectively denying constitutional protection to people experiencing homelessness, making it possible for localities to ticket, fine, and arrest people for sleeping outdoors on public property even if a community lacks sufficient affordable housing or shelters. Studying the damaging impact of income and wealth disparities, the need for affordable housing and strong safety net programs, and how classist, racist, and sexist stereotypes inform public opinion and policy attitudes, I find this decision profoundly disappointing. This is just one of the countless areas that needs the insightful perspectives of SPSSI members. My wish for SPSSI’s future, and one that I am working on with SPSSI’s incredible Director of Policy and Communications Sam Abbott, is enhanced policy impact whether in national, state, regional, or local arenas.

I am looking forward to the year ahead and the opportunity to serve a community that means so much to me, but most of all, I am excited for all that we can do together. SPSSI’s power – and its greatest potential for impact - comes from each of you and your many contributions to our shared work. Please reach out to me with your ideas, hopes, and concerns. Wishing you a fulfilling fall season.

References

Bullock, H. E., Lott, B., & Truong, S. V. (2011). SPSSI and poverty: Reflections at seventy-five.

     Journal of Social Issues, 67 (1), 148-162. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4560.2010.01689.x

Capshew, J. H. (2011). SPSSI’s living past. Journal of Social Issues, 67 (1), 197-202.

Rutherford, A., Cherry, F., & Unger, R. (2011). (Eds.). Journal of Social Issues, 67 (1).  https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4560.2010.01692.x

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