Guest Opinion | Brandon Lamar: The Grants Pass Approach Doesn’t Belong in a Diverse and Inclusive Pasadena

In a city like Pasadena, known for its diversity, cultural vibrancy, and strong sense of community, the way we approach homelessness must reflect our commitment to inclusion and human dignity. The Grants Pass approach, which criminalizes homelessness, has no place in our city. It is a regressive, inhumane strategy that does nothing to address the root causes of homelessness, and adopting such a model would be a grave injustice to our most vulnerable neighbors.

For context, Grants Pass, a small city in Oregon, has garnered national attention for its stringent policies that criminalize homelessness. This approach penalizes people for sleeping outside when they have nowhere else to go, essentially turning homelessness into a crime. People without homes are ticketed, fined, or even jailed, all because they have no other option but to exist in public spaces. While these measures might appear to “clean up” city streets in the short term, they are harmful, unconstitutional, and ultimately ineffective.

Pasadena is not Grants Pass. Pasadena has a proud legacy of being a forward-thinking. We have recently seen the city trying to undo the wrongdoings of the past regarding human rights and social justice and I would hate for this to be another one of those situations. We cannot afford to fall into the trap of treating homelessness as a nuisance rather than addressing it for what it is—a humanitarian crisis that demands empathy, resources, and comprehensive solutions. We must ask ourselves: What kind of city do we want to be?

Homelessness is not a crime, and treating it as such ignores the structural issues that lead to housing insecurity in the first place. Lack of affordable housing, mental health crises, substance use disorders, and systemic inequalities all contribute to the problem. Criminalizing those who are already suffering exacerbates the situation. Fines and criminal records only make it harder for people to get back on their feet, locking them into a cycle of poverty and despair. 

Moreover, studies consistently show that punitive approaches like the one in Grants Pass are not only cruel but also costly. Jailing someone for being homeless is far more expensive than providing them with housing and supportive services. Cities that invest in permanent supportive housing and other long-term solutions—like Housing First programs—see better outcomes for both the unhoused population and the community, as we’ve seen recently.

Pasadena should be a leader in compassionate, evidence-based solutions. Housing must be treated as a human right, not a privilege for the few. Everyone deserves a safe and stable place to live, regardless of their circumstances. A diverse and inclusive city like ours should prioritize housing initiatives that uplift, not punish, its residents. Programs that provide housing, mental health support, job training, and substance use treatment are proven to work. Pasadena already has some of these initiatives in place, but we need to expand and scale them to meet the growing need.

Criminalizing homelessness only deepens the divide between those with resources and those without. It dehumanizes people who are already marginalized and strips them of their dignity. As a community, we must reject any approach that perpetuates such injustice. We cannot—and should not—treat people like problems to be swept away.

Housing is a human right, and our policies should reflect that belief. Pasadena has the potential to be a beacon of hope for other cities by addressing homelessness with compassion, creativity, and long-term solutions. The Grants Pass approach does not align with our values or vision for the future. Let’s choose to invest in people, not punish them. It’s time to create a city where everyone can thrive—because that’s the Pasadena we all deserve.”

Brandon Lamar is a former District 3 City Council candidate.