1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to support the Housing Not Handcuffs campaign and take action to end the criminalization of homelessness in our nation. As a concerned constituent, I believe that arresting and fining homeless individuals is not only ineffective but exacerbates the problem of homelessness. The National Homelessness Law Center and National Coalition for the Homeless have launched this crucial campaign to advocate for housing as a human right. Their message is clear: we cannot arrest our way out of homelessness. Instead, we must focus on housing solutions that address the root causes of this crisis. Recent events have highlighted the urgent need for a change in approach. ICE has been targeting homeless shelters, city administrations are facing lawsuits for homeless sweeps, and even the Supreme Court has weighed in on homelessness issues. These actions demonstrate that our current policies are failing both our homeless population and our communities at large. By criminalizing homelessness, we create a vicious cycle. Fines and arrests create criminal records, making it even harder for individuals to secure housing or employment. This approach not only fails to solve the problem but also wastes valuable resources that could be better spent on effective solutions. I ask that you, as my representative in Congress, be part of the solution. Please support legislation that prioritizes housing-first initiatives, increases funding for affordable housing, and provides comprehensive support services for those experiencing homelessness. We need policies that treat homelessness as a social and economic issue, not a criminal one. The Housing Not Handcuffs campaign offers resources and evidence-based strategies to address homelessness effectively. I urge you to review their materials and work towards implementing their recommendations at the federal level. Your leadership on this issue can make a significant difference in the lives of countless Americans struggling with homelessness. Let's move away from punitive measures and towards compassionate, effective solutions that uplift our entire community. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.