How Many Shelter Beds Are Enough?

In your community, how many shelter beds are needed for the homeless population? That question has taken on new significance in light of a recent legal decision. In September, a federal appeals court panel ruled that arresting homeless people for sleeping in public when there are insufficient shelter beds violates the 8th Amendment against cruel and unusual punishment (see Federal Appeals Court Prohibits Arresting Homeless People For Sleeping In Public When Shelter Beds Are Insufficient). The ruling applies to all areas covered by the 9th Circuit, which is based in San Francisco and includes the western portion of the country . . .