FREMONT - For Becky Wolf, escaping her abuser often meant facing the bitter truth of homelessness. Despite multiple attempts to leave a 30-year hellish relationship, financial control always yanked her back. Now, thanks to Fremont’s newly minted ordinance, one of the strictest anti-homeless laws in the U.S., individuals like her are staring down a bleak reality where shelter and safety could vanish right before their eyes.

In a dramatic 6-to-1 vote, the Fremont City Council has decided that criminalizing encampments is the ideal solution to a complex issue. Violators of this draconian law may find themselves juggling six months in jail and hefty fines up to $1,000. But wait, there’s more! If you dare to help the unhoused, say goodbye to your sense of humanity, because you could face penalties for “aiding” those in need. Forget about that saying “it takes a village”; in Fremont, apparently you could end up in the slammer for just being a decent human being.

Ron Hochbaum, a law professor, slapped some sense into the powers that be by calling out the easy way out: punitive measures instead of affordable housing solutions. Because why bother with compassion when criminalization sounds so much more effective?

But don’t think the community is taking this lying down. In fact, a lawsuit has been filed by advocacy groups and local churches, arguing that this law criminalizes not just homelessness but compassion itself. It seems like the city is set to enforce its heartless measures by March 13, unless civic-minded folks can pull a legal rabbit out of their hats.

Vivian Wan, CEO of Abode Services, minced no words when she called the ordinance “perilous”. She emphasized that survivors of domestic abuse already navigate a complex web of safety concerns, and laws that push them into hiding only worsen their plight. If facing down fines and police harassment becomes the norm for fleeing abusers, many might just choose to remain trapped in dangerous situations, a recipe for disaster if there ever was one.

It’s worth noting that as of early 2024, California is home to the largest homeless population in the nation, hitting about 187,000 people. In Fremont alone, reports showed 807 individuals experiencing homelessness with a shocking 612 unsheltered, while shelter resources remain bleak.

Local attorney David Bonaccorsi, who’s leading the charge against this messy ordinance, slammed its language as “Orwellian” and the entire move as horrific policy-making. With future shelters and support services on shaky ground, this ordinance is set to do a great job at making life hell for the most vulnerable among us.

In case you were wondering, this isn’t just a Fremont thing, since the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling cheapened compassion in cities across the nation, copycat laws have been sprouting faster than weeds on a sun-drenched sidewalk. It’s a distressing trend that leaves many advocates worried about what’s to come for everyone left behind by our broken system.

Welcome to a world where kindness is outlawed and compassion might just cost you your freedom.