“GO TO JAIL OR FREEZE”: America’s New Laws Against RV & Van Living

 

You can’t afford rent, you can’t find housing, your vehicle becomes your shelter, and now the government wants to make that illegal too. Across the U.S., new local and statewide laws are targeting people who live in their cars, vans, and RVs, banning overnight parking, towing lived-in vehicles, seizing private property, and turning survival into a criminal act. We talk about: – Anti-vehicle ordinances designed to erase poverty. – The Michigan-style laws that sparked nationwide concern. – Why RVs on private land are being banned. – How cities profit from fines, towing, and “move along” enforcement. – The emotional reality of living in fear of a knock at the window. – Why the system refuses solutions but funds punishment. – What you can do to protect yourself and your rights. This isn’t about keeping cities clean, It’s about keeping the poor invisible. 👉 COMMENT: Have YOU ever lived in a vehicle, or know someone who has? Tell your story below. Your voice matters. This is the new chapter in America’s affordability crisis: You can’t afford to live, and now you can’t afford to survive. #RVLiving #VanLife #HomelessnessCrisis #CostOfExisting #SurvivalIsNotACrime #LiveInYourVehicle #WarOnThePoor #HousingCrisis #OffGridLiving #OffendedOutcast #TinyHomeBan #VehicleTowLaws #NewVagrancyLaws

Who's Helping in Ozark/Christian County?No dedicated homeless shelter right in Ozark, but solid resources nearby—many faith-based or county-wide. Here's key ones to link/share in your blog post (great idea for directing help):

• First Baptist Church of Ozark (1400 W Jackson St, Ozark – the mayor's church): Acts as a warming shelter during extreme cold, clothing distribution center for Christian County, and general community support. Contact: (417) 581-2484 or fbcozark.org. They step up for basics, but not full-time shelter.
• OACAC Christian County Neighborhood Center (204 E Elm St, Ozark): Rent/utility assistance, emergency food/shelter aid, housing counseling. Call (417) 581-7631 or oac.ac.
• Least of These Food Pantry (301 N 9th St? – Ozark area): Food, some clothing/referrals. Tied to Christian County Homeless Alliance.
• Community Partnership of the Ozarks (CPO) / O'Reilly Center for Hope (Springfield, serves Christian County): One Door access point for homelessness prevention, shelter diversion, coordinated entry. Call (417) 225-7499 or cpozarks.org. They have a full Christian County Emergency Resource Guide (PDF) with food pantries, clothing, transport, etc.
• Christian County Homeless Alliance: Meets monthly, coordinates local efforts. Great for broader solutions.
• Dial 211 (United Way) for immediate referrals.