HOMELESSNESS

like, ‘No, I want to, this is my accountability.’”

Judge Kurtz believes the program is a creative alternative to punishing unhoused people.

“If these individuals would come into court, on whatever ticket that brought them into my doors, whether it be a trespass or disor- derly conduct or whatever, normally we would impose some sort of nes,” Kurtz said. “ at doesn’t address the core issues that these individuals have.”

Instead, by connecting participants with resources, Kurtz believes the program works “to address (participant’s) core issues, mental health, substance abuse and poverty.”

“If we kind of ip it on its head and address those issues, then we’ll have much better outcomes,” Kurtz said.

“ e whole point is for those experiencing homelessness to take One Small Step to a more stable life,” Alternate Municipal Court Judge Christopher Daly said to a defendant on July 31. “We’re not here for punishment; we’re trying to get your life back on track.”

During a meeting on July 31, one defendant expressed their desire for assistance from the program, asking Judge Daly to help them get out of their current situation.

“I don’t want to live this life no more,” the defendant said. ey were sentenced to a suspended ne for 12 months; if no further infractions are committed in that span, the ne will be waived.

“Sometimes it’s two steps forward, one step back,” Kurtz said. “One small step, because I don’t ever expect perfection, just progress. I hope that we’re able to provide the support that our defendants need to help them make progress in a positive way.”