During her nearly four decades as a congresswoman, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi watched California develop America's worst homeless problem.

Yet a recent attempt by her home town to address the issue has nothing to do with Pelosi and was instead made possible by conservative Supreme Court justices. 

Ruling allows cities to outlaw public camping

As the Associated Press reported in June, America's highest judicial body ruled that local laws which ban sleeping outdoors do not violate the Constitution's Eighth Amendment prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment.

"Homelessness is complex. Its causes are many. So may be the public policy responses required to address it," Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote when overturning a lower court ruling that had invalidated such laws.

"A handful of federal judges cannot begin to 'match' the collective wisdom the American people possess in deciding ‘how best to handle’ a pressing social question like homelessness," he added.

The move was welcomed by California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who declared, "This decision removes the legal ambiguities that have tied the hands of local officials for years."

San Francisco clears encampments, increases shelter beds

Meanwhile, the Associated Press noted last week that San Francisco Democratic Mayor London Breed has undertaken a campaign which combines clearing homeless encampments with opening more shelter beds.

"We’re seeing much cleaner sidewalks," Castro neighborhood store owner Terry Asten Bennett was quoted as telling the news service.

"But also, as a business owner, I need clean, inviting streets to encourage people to come and shop and visit our city," she stressed.

One newly opened shelter is called Mission Cabins, a facility which offers a degree of privacy while also allowing pets. However, residents are subject to having their living quarters search for drugs, weapons, and outside guests.

"At the beginning, it was rough, you know, going in and just getting adjusted to being searched and having them look through your bags," 51-year-old resident Burcell explained.

Homeless advocate complains that housing unaffordable

Nevertheless, Burcell expressed enthusiasm over the opportunity "[to] have your own space inside here and close the door, not sharing anything with anybody."

Meanwhile, National Alliance to End Homelessness policy fellow Alex Visotzky believes that increased shelter capacity is not a long-term solution.

"We still have a housing market that is way too expensive for way too many people. And as long as that continues to be the case, we’re going to see folks falling into homelessness," he said.