1. United States
2. Ore.
3. Letter

We must address the severe lack of affordable housing and supportive services that force many into homelessness through no fault of their own. Penalizing and criminalizing the basic acts of survival for those without shelter only perpetuates the cycle of homelessness and undermines human dignity. Instead of punitive measures, we need proactive solutions that provide access to permanent supportive housing, job opportunities, mental health care, and other vital resources. Only by tackling the root causes with compassion can we uphold civil rights and put an end to the senseless criminalization of homelessness that does nothing to resolve this crisis humanely or effectively.