Homelessness is a public health issue of national significance and local impact, particularly in the Rogue Valley. In a landmark 2024 decision, City of Grants Pass v Johnson, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that local government ordinances with criminal penalties for camping on public land do not violate the U.S. Constitution’s Eighth Amendment ban on “cruel and unusual punishment.” That means unhoused persons camping in public parks face fines and jail time for violations of those laws — even if there are no available shelter spaces.
As with most formidable societal challenges, there are many factors that contribute to homelessness, for example: a shortage of affordable homes, unemployment or unstable income, generational poverty, domestic violence, disability, substance abuse and medical debt. There is no one universal solution but, in the meantime, how do we provide care for our community members who are already experiencing housing insecurity?
That is the question at the heart of the book “Rough Sleepers” by Tracy Kidder. It’s the story of Dr. Jim O’Connell and the patients of the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program. Dr. O’Connell deferred a prestigious fellowship to spend a year creating an organization to bring healthcare to homeless citizens. That year turned into his life’s calling.
RCC’s Diversity Programming Board is sponsoring a common read of the “Rough Sleepers” for the 2026-2027 academic year. Sign up at this link to request your FREE copy. RCC campus libraries will also have copies of the book (and e-book) available for check-out. We’ll host a related Courageous Conversation event later in the academic year to discuss the themes in the book. Join the conversation!
If you know an RCC student experiencing housing insecurity, please introduce them to the RCC Advocacy & Resource Center. Please see below for more educational information as well as links to community resources in the Rogue Valley.
For more information, contact Lucia Bartscher, Diversity Programming Board Chair via email or on Teams.
RCC Faculty: Please consider offering extra credit for student participation in this or any other DPB programs!
If you experience a disability that may require some accommodation in order to participate in a Rogue Community College class or activity, please notify the RCC Access and Disability Resources office call 541-956-7337 or email accessoffice@roguecc.edu at least 5 business days in advance.
Local Resources and More Information
- RCC Advocacy & Resource Center: Housing Insecurity Resources and Basic Needs.
- Doctor Takes His Practice to the Streets to Help Heal the Homeless (NBC News, video: 3 mins)
- Exploring the Implications of the U.S. Supreme Court Decision in Grants Pass v Johnson (League of Oregon Cities)