Invest in solutions, reject criminalizing homelessness and addiction

The executive order "Ending Crime and Disorder on America's Streets" fails to address the root causes of homelessness and instead promotes inhumane and unconstitutional practices that violate civil liberties. Forcibly institutionalizing individuals struggling with homelessness, mental illness, and addiction through expanded civil commitment laws is a cruel and ineffective approach that has been repeatedly struck down by courts. It disregards decades of research showing that providing permanent supportive housing solutions along with voluntary, community-based treatment is the most successful model for reducing chronic homelessness. Rather than pouring resources into archaic and discriminatory policies, we should be investing in evidence-based solutions like the Housing First model which has proven highly effective at rapidly rehousing people and connecting them to supportive services. Punitive measures that criminalize homelessness and addiction only perpetuate the cycles of poverty, trauma, and incarceration - they do not solve the underlying issues. I urge you to reject and speak up against this misguided executive order and instead prioritize funding for affordable housing development, supportive services, job training, substance abuse and mental health treatment options. An investment in constructive policies will yield far better results for individuals, families, and communities impacted by homelessness. We must pursue compassionate, rights-based strategies to address this crisis humanely and effectively.