Oppose Bills That Criminalize the Unhoused

As an advocate for equitable solutions to homelessness and criminal justice reform, I strongly oppose SB778 (Trent), which criminalizes drug possession near homeless service providers and imposes punitive measures on both unhoused individuals and the organizations striving to support them. This bill exacerbates systemic inequities, undermines public health, and contradicts evidence-based strategies to address homelessness and substance use. SB778 targets vulnerable populations already navigating poverty, trauma, and systemic neglect. Criminalizing drug possession in “drug-free zones” near shelters will deter individuals from accessing lifesaving services, pushing them further into isolation and unsafe environments . Studies show that punitive approaches deepen cycles of homelessness by saddling individuals with criminal records, which reduce employment and housing opportunities—key drivers of stability . As noted in Missouri’s existing homelessness crisis, criminalization strains law enforcement and wastes taxpayer funds that could instead fund housing and treatment . By threatening shelters with funding ineligibility if clients possess drugs, the bill forces providers to act as law enforcement, eroding trust between staff and those seeking help. Many unhoused individuals struggle with substance use disorders, a public health issue requiring compassion—not punishment. Penalizing operators for their clients’ behaviors will reduce shelter capacity, worsening homelessness statewide. Similar laws, like Missouri’s 2022 camping ban, have proven ineffective and costly. Homelessness rose 12% in 2023 despite such measures, while Housing First programs in cities like Houston reduced chronic homelessness by 63% . SB778 repeats this mistake, prioritizing visibility over dignity and ignoring root causes like stagnant wages and unaffordable housing . Investing in affordable housing, mental health services, and harm reduction programs—not punitive measures—is the solution. Housing First saves taxpayers $1.3 billion annually by reducing emergency services reliance . Missouri must reject SB778 and instead expand access to voluntary treatment, overdose prevention sites, and tenant protections to address homelessness humanely. SB778 is a regressive policy that harms Missouri’s most vulnerable residents and the organizations serving them. I urge lawmakers to prioritize evidence-based solutions that uphold human rights and foster long-term stability. Criminalization is not compassion—it is a costly failure.