LEXINGTON, Ky. — Community members who have rallied and spoken with state lawmakers are responding to the U.S. Supreme Court's 6-3 ruling June 28 that cities can ban camping in public spaces, after spending weeks advocating against potential policies affecting those they help.  

Lexington's Catholic Action Center and Street Voice Council are taking their concerns to Washington, D.C. after the latest decision.

Ginny Ramsey, leader of Lexington Catholic Action Center and Shelter, has created signage resembling the signs often held by real people. Each one will be in someone's hands who has been affected or is dealing with homelessness Saturday morning, she said. 

Both groups are also partnering with the Poor People’s Campaign to march for fair wages in Washington.

“Never give up on the struggle of this because the community can respond," Ramsey said. "And before 1930, it was always the community. It was the neighbors; it was the churches. It was the friends, the family. Let's get back to that."

The justices rejected arguments enforcing these restrictions constitutes cruel and unusual punishment, in stance with the Eighth Amendment. 

“It was a gut punch," Ramsey said. "I was sure that the Supreme Court, because of the Supreme Court ruling, was simply saying that it is cruel and unjust for people when there is no shelter available.”

Ramsey said the community they help comes from a variety of backgrounds.

“We have kids who have fallen into homelessness," she said. "We have a minister now who is one of the more respected ministers in central Kentucky who fell into homelessness. And we're all saying, 'Where's the community?' But the community will respond."