NCH Statement on California Governor Executive Order to Clear Encampments

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Last week, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an Executive Order to forcibly remove people experiencing homelessness from state lands. This decision brings with it severe and predictable consequences, reflecting a grave injustice. The National Coalition for the Homeless is taking a stand against this inhumane action. We urge you to read our official statement to understand our position and the critical issues at stake.
 

NCH is profoundly disappointed and troubled by this decision. Addressing homelessness is a multifaceted challenge that demands both compassion and thoughtful care.

 
Donald H. Whitehead, Jr., Executive Director of the National Coalition for the Homeless, emphasizes:
 
“The way a society treats its most vulnerable reflects its core values, priorities, and dedication to social justice. Criminalizing homelessness comes with serious repercussions—leading to increased costs, more suffering, and potentially even loss of life. This decision undermines our collective responsibility and commitment to addressing this pressing issue with the compassion it demands.”
 
Criminalizing homelessness comes with serious repercussions—leading to increased costs, more suffering, and potentially even loss of life. This decision undermines our collective responsibility and commitment to addressing this pressing issue with the compassion it demands.
 
It is essential to approach the issue of homelessness with boundless empathy, compassion, and commitment to finding sustainable solutions that prioritize the dignity and rights of all individuals, which is crucial for survival.
 
Encampment raids and forced evictions are not viable solutions; they only exacerbate the dire circumstances of those experiencing homelessness, who have nowhere else to turn.
 
Resorting to raids is a short-sighted and expensive approach that only exacerbates homelessness and increases the number of individuals forced to live on California’s streets.
 
Instead, Governor Newsom should focus on long-term solutions that tackle the systemic causes of homelessness, such as the shortage of affordable housing, unemployment, mental health challenges, structural racism, and substance abuse.
 
Providing adequate shelter, supportive services, and resources will better support people experiencing homelessness in transitioning to stable housing and improving their overall well-being.
 
NCH and its partners with lived experience are profoundly disheartened by this decision. However, this moment in history will not go unnoticed. While deeply saddened, the advocacy movement views this action as a powerful catalyst for change.

A Call to Unity in Johnson v. Grants Pass

In the face of ongoing challenges, the resilience of our community—particularly those with lived experience of homelessness—continues to inspire and drive change. One such pivotal moment of change is upon us, as the Supreme Court prepares to hear a case that could significantly impact the rights of homeless individuals across the nation: Johnson v. Grants Pass.

This landmark case centers on the rights of homeless individuals in Grants Pass, Oregon, challenging ordinances that penalize life-sustaining activities in public spaces. At its heart, Johnson v. Grants Pass isn’t just about one town; it’s a reflection of the broader struggle for dignity, respect, and the right to exist in public spaces without fear of harassment or punishment.

The Issue at Hand

For too long, our brothers and sisters without homes have faced legal and societal barriers that criminalize their existence. Sleeping, eating, and performing other necessary life activities in public spaces—their last resort—are met with penalties rather than support. Johnson v. Grants Pass brings these injustices to the forefront, challenging us all to reconsider how we treat the most vulnerable among us.

Your Voice is Your Power

This case is a rallying cry for all who believe in justice and human rights. It’s a reminder that together, we can challenge the status quo and advocate for policies that uplift rather than oppress. Your voice is critical in this fight.

Call to Action

Your involvement signifies more than just your support; it embodies hope, unity, and the unwavering belief that change is possible. Let’s stand together for justice, for dignity, and for the rights of all individuals to live freely and without fear.

Here’s how you can stand in solidarity:

  1. Sign the Petition: Add your name to the growing list of individuals calling for an end to the criminalization of homelessness. Each signature sends a strong message to policymakers about the public’s demand for compassionate and humane treatment of all individuals, regardless of their housing status.
  2. Join us for the Housing Not Handcuffs Rally on April 22, 2024, at the Supreme Court: Mark your calendars and make your presence felt. This rally isn’t just about making noise; it’s about showing the strength of our community and the depth of our commitment to change.
  3. Join with communities across the country in holding coordinated actions on April 22nd! Click here to let us know about your local event, or to learn more about what might be happening in your community. Check out our Organizing Skill Share guide for action inspiration and guidance. 

We know that laws are passed and enforced locally. Your City Council, Mayor, and police are the ones implementing anti-homeless policies (such as sweeps) now. So, local actions are really important, in addition to actions in front of the U.S. Supreme Court.

A small group of people can have a BIG impact! Together, we can demonstrate the collective power of individuals united for a common cause.

The Journey Ahead

The path to justice is long and fraught with challenges, but it’s a journey worth taking. Johnson v. Grants Pass is more than a legal battle; it’s a moral one. It’s about affirming the right of every individual to live with dignity and without fear. As we stand on the brink of this historic moment, let’s come together to support those who have been marginalized and to show that humanity and compassion can prevail over indifference and injustice.

Together, We Can Make a Difference

To learn more about Johnson v. Grants Pass and stay informed on the latest developments, here are several avenues you can explore:

  • Official Johnson v Grants Pass Case site
  • NCH info on Criminalization
  • National Homelessness Law Center and the Housing Not Handcuffs Campaign
  • National Alliance to End Homelessness
  • Supreme Court’s Official Website: The United States Supreme Court’s official website offers access to court documents, including briefs, oral arguments, and opinions related to the case. This is a primary source for accurate and up-to-date information.
  • Congressional leaders have unveiled the FY24 THUD spending bill, earmarking significant funding for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs focused on affordable housing and homelessness. The bill allocates $70 billion to HUD, marking an $8.3 billion increase from the FY23 levels. This funding boost is seen as a major achievement for the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC)’s national HoUSed campaign, advocates nationwide, and congressional supporters such as Senators Brian Schatz and Cindy Hyde-Smith, along with Representatives Tom Cole and Mike Quigley.

Key Highlights of the FY24 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Spending Bill (excerpted from the National Low Income Housing Coalition – Full link https://nlihc.org/resource/despite-tight-topline-funding-advocates-and-key-congressional-champions-secure-increased)

Noteworthy Funding Details:

– The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program receives a substantial increase, funded at $32.4 billion, allowing for the renewal of all existing rental assistance contracts and expanding assistance to 3,000 additional households.

– Homeless Assistance Grants see a $418 million increase, totaling $4.05 billion.

– The Public Housing Capital and Operating Funds receive modest increases, with the Capital Fund at $3.41 billion and the Operating Fund at $5.5 billion.

– The Native American Housing Block Grant is boosted by $324 million, reaching $1.1 billion.

– Despite some programs facing cuts, such as the HOME Investment Partnerships Program and the Choice Neighborhoods, significant resources are allocated across various housing and homelessness initiatives.

 

Analysis of Specific Programs:

– Tenant-Based Rental Assistance is set at $32.4 billion, aiming to renew all existing contracts and expand support.

– Public Housing funding includes slight increases for capital and operating funds, with a total of $3.4 billion for the capital account.

– The bill also emphasizes homelessness programs, allocating $4.05 billion for Homeless Assistance Grants, indicating a focused effort to address the homelessness crisis.

Overall Impact:

The FY24 spending bill represents a significant step towards addressing affordable housing and homelessness challenges in the U.S. While it marks progress, NLIHC and its allies continue to advocate for sustained and comprehensive investment in housing assistance to meet the growing needs of Americans facing housing insecurity.

NLIHC Budget Chart FY2024

 

Written by: NCH Policy Lead, Michele Williams ; Edited by Kenia Mazariegos

Photo by Lara Jameson

We are deeply concerned about the recent findings presented in the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR). The report reveals a disturbing 12% overall increase in the number of individuals experiencing homelessness across the nation from 2022 to 2023. This data highlights the pressing need for immediate action to ensure the protection of the human right to housing.

According to AHAR report findings, the number of people experiencing homelessness is the highest since the reporting began in 2007, painting a bleak picture of the current housing crisis. These stark developments are a somber reminder of the inaction and lack of prioritization when it comes to addressing the root causes of homelessness in our country.

We firmly believe that housing is a fundamental human right and cannot overlook the fact that these findings reflect an urgent need for more comprehensive and proactive measures to combat the growing crisis of homelessness in our communities.

As the AHAR report underlines the gravity of the situation, we at NCH urge all stakeholders including government agencies, policymakers, and community leaders to collaborate and redouble their efforts to proactively address homelessness. We call for the immediate allocation of resources and the implementation of long-term solutions that prioritize access to safe and affordable housing for all.

To underscore the need for swift access to housing, communities across the country will commemorate Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day this week (December 21), remembering thousands of neighbors, family members and friends who have passed away prematurely due to lack of permanent and safe housing.

 Today, join the National Coalition for the Homeless, the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, and the National Consumer Advisory Board to remember the lives of those we have lost this year and continue our fight to end homelessness. NHCHC CEO Bobby Watts and NCH Executive Director Donald Whitehead will speak, along with Reverend Dr. Elizabeth Theoharis from the Poor People’s Campaign; Warren Magee, NCAB Steering Committee member and Chair of the Consumer Advisory Board at Boston Health Care for the Homeless; Dr. Catherine Crosland, Director of Homeless Outreach Development at Unity Health Care in Washington, D.C.; and Madalyn Karban, Bhavana Akula, and Ishaan Akula from NCH’s National Youth Division, Bring America Home NOW.The program will also feature art by artist and advocate Tammy De Grouchy Grubbs and an original spoken word performance from Charlotte A. Garner, Regional Representative, NCAB Board Steering Committee, Chair of the Ellen Dailey Advocacy Committee, and Chair of the Healthcare for the Homeless Houston Change Committee. If your community is hosting a memorial, please register your event here.
On this day, we come together as a community to mourn and remember those we have lost due to homelessness. It is a solemn occasion that reminds us of the dire consequences posed by the lack of stable, secure housing for our most vulnerable neighbors.

Together, let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding the right to housing and work towards a future where homelessness is eradicated, and every individual has a place to call home.
Join us for HPMD

The National Coalition For The Homeless is releasing a vital informative report called Design Against Humanity, highlighting the many ways that Hostile Architecture is used to prevent full use of public space, especially by certain members of our communities. 

We have witnessed many examples of hostile architecture in the five cities visited so far on the Local Power Tour – Los Angeles, Sacramento, Seattle, Miami and Atlanta. Most all the cities placed boulders throughout underpasses or in front of city buildings, have benches with bars in the middle, and/or use eco blocks to prevent RVs from stopping and parking.  

Seattle had the most aggressive usage of some of these methods. There were eco blocks in industrial areas installed by the local businesses to ensure no RVs or cars could park near or in front of their businesses. There were fenced off areas surrounding underpasses and anywhere people could possibly stop and rest.  

Los Angeles uses loud music in their metro stations and, after a recent sweep in Hollywood, planters of various sizes were installed to avoid the return of long term residents, their tents and belongings.  

Miami has double fencing surrounding their underpasses to prevent people from seeking shelter from the extreme heat and rainstorms. Atlanta has employed similar tactics installing boulders under the highways as well.  

The use of these forms of hostile architecture often result in forcing the unhoused to go into hiding and relocate, often far away from any social services.  It all reads like a slow migration to push the unhoused farther and farther out of site and further from permanent housing. But many of these efforts also make public spaces unwelcome to people who have disabilities, families, and older persons. 

Many people are not aware of, or do not notice, hostile architecture. Once we understand the examples, we start to see just how much our cities have made public space unwelcoming. This report will help educate and aid our communities and elected officials in understanding the struggles of the people displaced around their cities, where the architecture is often designed to work against them.  

  • Written by Mary Cellini, who leads an NCH Field Office from her organization Housing is Human Right, a project of the Aids Health Foundation. 
Infographic showing fenced off section of sidewalk underneath an overpass with words describing how much fence cost versus how much housing could have been purchased

“It demands unwavering commitment, concerted efforts, and the courage to challenge the status quo.”

As we reflected on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it was imperative to acknowledge the enduring significance of his legacy and the persistent struggle for racial justice and equality. The commemoration of this day served as a powerful reminder of the progress made and the challenges that remained. It was more important than ever to honor Dr. King’s vision by actively working towards a society where justice and equality are accessible to all.

Despite the progress achieved since Dr. King’s time, systemic racism and inequality have persisted in various forms. The recent resurgence of white supremacists highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by marginalized communities. Issues such as disproportionate representation in the unhoused population, criminalization of people experiencing homelessness, police brutality, economic disparities, unequal access to education, and healthcare inequities underscored the need for continued efforts towards racial justice.

As we honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and looked towards the future, it was crucial to recognize that the fight for racial justice and equality was far from over. It demanded unwavering commitment, concerted efforts, and the courage to challenge the status quo. By continuing to pursue Dr. King’s dream of a just and equitable society, we could create a world where every individual is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their race or ethnicity.

Recently, I witnessed an aura of hopelessness at a time when hope was required to change the trajectory of homelessness, which is at record levels. Housing justice remains the unfinished business of the civil rights movement. Although there was a feeling of despair for many after the election of Donald Trump, we could not waver in our pursuit of housing justice. We needed all of those who believed in housing justice to stand tall and work even harder until the dawn rises. We could not give up; we had to stand up in this moment of uncertainty in our country’s history.

The commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the inauguration of new political leaders served as reminders of our collective responsibility to advance the cause of racial justice. Let us continue striving to be the change-makers who turn dreams of equality into reality, ensuring a brighter and more just future for all.

Authored by: Donald Whitehead, NCH Executive Director of NCH

We are deeply saddened and outraged by the tragic death of an unhoused individual during the recent clearing of a homeless encampment near Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. This heartbreaking incident underscores the urgent need to rethink and reform policies that prioritize displacement over compassion and true solutions to homelessness.

Encampment clearances—or “raids”—are dehumanizing and dangerous practices that fail to address the root causes of homelessness. Instead, they cause further harm, stripping vulnerable individuals of their dignity, safety, and the only place they can call home. They’ve already lost so much—why take even more, including their humanity? Haven’t they endured enough?

We are grieving alongside the community and extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim. No one should lose their life in the name of misguided policies that treat homelessness as a nuisance rather than a humanitarian crisis. Our hearts ache for the pain and fear this has caused, not only for those directly impacted but for every unhoused individual who now feels even less safe.

This tragedy demands accountability. We stand with organizations like Hosea Helps in calling for immediate transparency and justice.

Homelessness is not a crime, and unhoused individuals are not disposable. This loss must be a turning point—a moment to reject punitive and dehumanizing approaches and instead embrace solutions rooted in compassion, dignity, and real support.

We demand an end to encampment raids. We demand justice for this life cut short. And we demand a future where all people, regardless of their housing status, are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

With grief and resolve,

National Coalition for the Homeless

 

For Press Inquiries, please contact NCH’s Executive Director, Donald Whitehead at DWhitehead@nationalhomeless.org.

This week, justice failed Jordan Neely, a young man whose plea for food and water was met not with compassion but with a fatal chokehold that took his life. The verdict in the murder case against his assailant serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the profound failures of our systems to meet even the most basic human needs.

I can’t help but wonder if the verdict would have been different had the roles been reversed. If Jordan Neely had been housed and Daniel Penny homeless, it’s hard not to believe that accountability for the loss of life would have followed. Jordan Neely was a Black man, and now his name is heartbreakingly added to the long and painful list of Black lives taken without consequence.


As a Black man, I’ve been taught that our first fight was to prove that we were human beings–it’s clear the fight is still ongoing.


The harsh reality of homelessness amplifies the struggles of marginalization and discrimination. Across the country, communities are adopting cruel measures that criminalize homelessness and poverty rather than addressing their root causes.

Since the Supreme Court’s decision in Johnson v. Grants Pass this past June, over 100 laws have been enacted, with more than 68 pending, that make it a crime to sleep outdoors—even when no shelter is available. These laws strip away the dignity of our most vulnerable and further entrench systemic injustice.


Jordan Neely fell through the cracks of the foster care system, the mental health system, the homeless service system, and the judicial system.

Jordan’s death highlights the ridiculous decision in the Grants Pass case, which basically stated that criminalization does not cause harm. There is no greater harm than death. Jordan was arrested multiple times, and not one of those times resulted in housing.

Jordan Neely’s life and death necessitate a broader examination of how society can better care for its most vulnerable members. Our communities need improved mental health services, housing and support, and systemic changes in how crises are handled in public. A more equitable environment is essential to creating a safer community for everyone.


Jordan Neely reminds us why we must never give up the fight for housing justice. He deserved so much more than that subway car—he deserved a safe, stable, and affordable home where his dreams could thrive and his talent could shine.

Jordan should have been dancing through life, not struggling to survive. America, we can and must do better.

Together, we can build a future where every life is valued, every dream is nurtured, and no one is left behind.

Written by: Donald Whitehead, Executive Director at the National Coalition for the Homeless 

The Documentary: A Journey Towards Humanity and Hope

HOMELESS is a powerful documentary that seeks to give a voice to those often silenced by their circumstances: people living without stable housing. The film provides a raw and compassionate look into the lives of five individuals experiencing homelessness, capturing their stories, dreams, and challenges. Created as part of the Let’s Make a Difference project, the documentary’s mission is to raise awareness and funds for solutions to homelessness, making a call for societal change and collective empathy.

Through this cinematic journey, HOMELESS invites viewers to see beyond stereotypes, challenging the ways society often ignores or misunderstands the unhoused. By focusing on personal stories, the film connects us with individuals’ hopes, setbacks, and resilience, reminding us that they are part of our shared community. The National Coalition for the Homeless has praised the film as “impactful, emotional, human,” recognizing its deep commitment to highlighting the humanity of those living without a home.

The Director: Valerio Zanoli’s Vision for Social Change

Behind HOMELESS is director Valerio Zanoli, a graduate of the prestigious USC School of Cinematic Arts, who has spent his career creating socially impactful films. Zanoli’s works, such as Not to Forget and Hopeful Notes, are well-regarded for raising awareness about societal issues and advocating for underrepresented voices. With HOMELESS, Zanoli’s aim is clear: to bring the world closer to ending homelessness by sparking conversations and raising funds.

The documentary premiered at the United Nations’ World Urban Forum, a testament to its global significance, and is now used by UN-Habitat in their World Urban Campaign to promote housing rights worldwide. Zanoli’s storytelling sheds light on the harsh realities of homelessness while infusing the narrative with a sense of hope and urgency.

Synopsis: Stories from the Streets of Las Vegas

Filmed in Las Vegas, HOMELESS explores the stark contrasts of the city—where opulent casinos and resorts exist side by side with desolate streets occupied by homeless encampments. The documentary takes us into the lives of five unhoused individuals who courageously share their journeys. Through their stories, we see the complex factors that led them to the streets, the daily hardships they face, and the resilience that keeps them going.

The voices of housing advocates, including figures like Donald Whitehead Jr. of the National Coalition for the Homeless, and Catrina Grigsby-Thedford of the Nevada Homeless Alliance, further contextualize the urgent need for policy changes. It also features segments with prominent figures like U.S. President Joe Biden, the mayors of Los Angeles and New York City, the FBI Director, and the HUD Secretary.

Las Vegas serves as a mirror reflecting a crisis faced by cities across the U.S. and beyond. According to UN-Habitat, 1.6 billion people worldwide live in inadequate housing, with over 100 million lacking housing entirely. The U.S. alone sees over half a million people without permanent shelter each night. As inflation and rent prices soar, and economic uncertainties deepen, homelessness continues to grow—a crisis Zanoli hopes to shed light on through this documentary.

Critically Acclaimed 

The documentary has received widespread acclaim, described as “a cinematic portrait of everyday life on the streets” by The Flash List, “an exploration of the causes and effects of homelessness” by NY Weekly, and “an honest look at what it’s like to be homeless” by The Good Men Project. Renowned singer Andrea Bocelli expressed his support, stating:

“Home is dignity, it is life, it is the warmth, the comfort, the joy of being able to count on shelter and to offer it to one’s family. […] I believe that each of us has a moral obligation to strive for the well-being of the less fortunate.”  

A Call to Action

HOMELESS doesn’t just tell a story—it advocates for change. The film invites viewers to engage with this humanitarian crisis and participate in finding solutions. Through the support of numerous homeless organizations, influential leaders, and advocates like Andrea Bocelli, who affirmed the moral obligation to “strive for the well-being of the less fortunate,” HOMELESS aims to rally communities and policymakers alike.

As audiences worldwide connect with the film’s message, HOMELESS fosters a deeper understanding and a sense of shared responsibility. Together, with compassion and conviction, we can help create a world where everyone has a place to call home.

For more on how you can help, visit National Coalition for the Homeless and Let’s Make a Difference.

Many of us were filled with the hope that our country would finally break through the glass ceiling and elect the first woman President of the United States. Unfortunately, Tuesday delivered a different outcome. Instead, voters chose a path that has been the same all but once in our country’s history.

Looking ahead, I hope that one day our country will follow the example of others and take final steps toward equality for women. Although some feel disappointment regarding gender equity, many are concerned about the election results and the reflection they provide on our society. The majority of the electorate supported a candidate who has been widely viewed as controversial. Many perceive that these results signify a tolerance for divisive social issues.

Despite our despair, we cannot give up. Our mission transcends any individual or party, and this setback, though difficult, does not change our commitment. We may need time to process this unexpected development, but we have persevered through many administrations, each with differing stances on the issues we advocate. In moments of challenge, we have continued our work on behalf of people experiencing homelessness.

Over the last four years, the number of people on the street has grown, even under a friendly administration, and in the previous four years as well. This experience has shown that change relies not only on leadership within the White House or Congress but on the momentum created by our collective movement. Our work isn’t finished. The challenges ahead are complex, but we are resilient, and we remain committed.

The fight isn’t over. It just became more complicated and critical, but we are fighters, and we must never surrender.

 

Donald H. Whitehead Jr.

Executive Director | National Coalition for the Homeless

Washington, D.C. — In a profoundly disappointing ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court today decided that it is constitutional to arrest or fine homeless individuals for using survival items like blankets or pillows in public spaces when no alternative shelter is available.

“Arresting or fining people for trying to survive is expensive, counterproductive, and cruel,” said Jesse Rabinowitz, campaign and communications director at the National Homelessness Law Center (NHLC). “This inhumane ruling, which contradicts the values of nearly three-quarters of Americans, will make homelessness worse in Grants Pass and nationwide. Cities are now even more empowered to neglect proven housing-based solutions and to arrest or fine those with no choice but to sleep outdoors. While we are disappointed, we are not surprised that this Supreme Court ruled against the interests of our poorest neighbors.”

The Supreme Court decision has set a dangerous precedent, allowing cities to continue to criminalize homelessness instead of addressing the root causes of the issue. People experiencing homelessness should not be punished for their circumstances; all levels of the government have a responsibility to protect the most vulnerable members of society.

Donald H. Whitehead, Jr., executive director of the National Coalition for the Homeless states, “How a society treats its most vulnerable members reflects its values, priorities, and commitment to social justice. Criminalization has consequences. This decision will result in higher costs, more suffering, and death. We are deeply saddened by the Supreme Court’s supreme injustice.”

In Justice Sotomayor’s dissent, the justice states that the ruling, “leaves the most vulnerable in our society with an impossible choice: Either stay awake or be arrested.” Further, Sotomayor says, “I remain hopeful that someday in the near future, this Court will play its role in safeguarding constitutional liberties for the most vulnerable among us. Because the Court today abdicates that role, I respectfully dissent.”

As the dissent states, the Court’s decision today ignores the need to protect people currently experiencing homelessness from harassment, violent attacks, or targeted enforcement of local ordinances.

Housing ends homelessness. The National Coalition for the Homeless, in partnership with the National Coalition for Housing Justice, calls on federal elected officials to invest significantly in housing now. For over 40 years, we have seen federal affordable housing programs decimated, and it is time to transform the trajectory of our housing policy.

As a down payment to ensure that everybody has safe, decent housing that they can afford, we call for:

  • Universal rental assistance for lowest-income households
  • Public housing repair and preservation
  • Full funding of the National Housing Trust Fund
  • Eviction and homelessness prevention
  • Voluntary supportive and emergency services

The long term investment in our communities and country requires a recognition that robust social housing will end homelessness.

Despite this Supreme Court ruling, we know that housing, not handcuffs, solves homelessness, and we will continue our work to ensure that everyone, regardless of race or background, has the housing they need to thrive.

Over the past 23 years, the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) has documented nearly 2000 incidents of violence against people who were homeless. Since 1999, at least 588 of unhoused victims have violently been killed just for being unhoused.

These crimes appear to have been motivated by a perpetrator’s bias against people experiencing homelessness, and to have been facilitated by a perpetrator’s ability to target homeless people with relative ease. The crimes are a litany of atrocities: beatings, rapes, mutilations, and murders. The murder victims died in unfathomable ways: not only shot or stabbed to death, but also set on fire, drowned – even beheaded.

This year, we’ve documented shocking levels of law enforcement involvement in attacks against people experiencing homelessness, as well as serial attacks on people experiencing homelessness. Most notably, Oregon saw a whopping 500% increase since the last reported attacks in 2019.

In several states, such as Kentucky, Florida, Missouri, and others, legislation has been enacted that exacerbates the already dire situation faced by those experiencing homelessness. These laws create a vicious cycle of punitive measures that further marginalize and dehumanize people who are already in vulnerable circumstances.

Unfortunately, these injustices have fueled vigilantism and hatred directed towards people who are forced to live outdoors. It is imperative that society recognizes that homelessness is a societal issue and should not be met with violence or unwarranted hostility.

City and county level ordinances also contribute to a perfect storm of dehumanization of people experiencing homelessness that leads to violence. The small town of Grants Pass, Oregon, is one of hundreds of cities nationwide that has passed law banning sleeping outdoors. The Grants Pass ordinance was challenged in court, as there is not enough shelter available in town for everyone who needs it, and the city appealed. On April 22, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case, and over 700 advocates gathered on the steps of the court to rally in support of Housing, not Handcuffs for people forced to live outdoors. The decision reached in this case has far-reaching implications for the treatment of individuals who have been displaced from their homes.

The quiet town of Grants Pass was surprised in March of 2022, when an unknown assailant set the tent of someone forced to live outdoors on fire. Unfortunately, we should not be surprised.

While NCH has compelling data on the number and severity of attacks in general, many of these acts remain underreported (in part because people experiencing homelessness tend to live on the outskirts of communities). The Bureau of Justice Statistics found that in 2019 “less than half (44%) of violent victimizations (of people experiencing homelessness) are reported to police.” Furthermore, many attacks were likely even more gruesome than available reports imply.

The National Coalition for the Homeless calls upon all stakeholders, including lawmakers, law enforcement agencies, advocacy groups, and community members, to view consider protecting our unhoused neighbors as a vulnerable population. Further, we urge policymakers to invest in the housing and community supports we all need, and that are proven to end homelessness.

Report (without appendices)
Appendix A: Hate Crimes vs. Vulnerable Victims Status
Appendix B: Protected Class Resolution
Appendix C: Hate Crimes Legislation Resource Guide
Appendix D: Case Research and Citations

Read the full report: https://nationalhomeless.org/wp-content/uploads/2024-Hate-Crimes-Report_for-web.pdf

The rally at the Supreme Court impacted me in several ways. I was not unmoved by the underlying reason for being on the steps of the highest court in the nation: protesting the upholding of the right for people to sleep under a blanket if they didn’t have an alternative.

We were fighting extreme bias in a place that has had the most fatal attacks against people experiencing homelessness. Lawyers and elected officials were forcefully attempting to make the case that parks and the appearance of a community were more valuable than the lives of vulnerable and marginalized human beings. In a nation fractured by politics and individualism, there persists a misguided belief that fines, handcuffs, and imprisonment serve as deterrents to homelessness. Yet, tragically, the reality speaks to the improbability of such a notion.

There were many things so I will move on to the numerous positive takeaways.  For the first time in several years, there was this collaboration of advocates who worked on behalf of the unhoused population, those who were once in the population, and those currently working together to speak truth to power.  It wasn’t perfect, of course. We are still making the same mistakes pointed out by Ron Casanova in his book “Each One Teach One.”  We must always make space for people living the experience, not just those with lived experience. I take this critique personally because I had the opportunity to choose speakers.  Although I didn’t make this decision alone, it was a mistake not to lift the voices of those struggling. 

The rally on April 24th brought back a sense of nostalgia for me. The day brought back memories of buddy gray and the people of the Over-the-Rhine beloved community fighting to preserve a neighborhood surrounded by speculators, profiteers, and financial predators. Some people deeply rooted in the late 80s and 90s fights were there: Barb Poppe, Fred Karnas, and Bev Merrill were in the crowd. They know the power of organizing well and its effectiveness when we have had significant victories when we have organized and engaged in direct action.  

Our advocacy during that time brought us victory and stinging defeat.  We won the Cranston Gonzalez Act, The McKinney Vento Act, and the Education for Homeless Children and Youth Act. The losses are also numerous; Over-the-Rhine is no longer a beloved community if you are a gentrifier or partygoer. Every day, we lose a criminalization fight.  City after city resorts to hiding people who experienced homelessness in jails and institutions versus helping them into housing.

 Many longtime residents are long gone, moved to parts unknown, and replaced by fancy eateries and trendy nightclubs. The residents of Over-the-Rhine stopped protesting after the death of our leader, Buddy Gray. The community lost its will on that day. This pattern often happens when movements lose their charismatic leaders, from Dr. King and the civil rights movement to the loss of Mitch Snyder in the homeless movement. The beauty of this movement is that millions of leaders with lived experience can ensure that the Grants Pass demonstration is not a one-off; instead, it can be a harbinger of a new era of resistance. An organized Bring America Home Now Movement!

Written by NCH Executive Director, Donald Whitehead ; Edited by Kenia Mazariegos, Assistant Director of Communications

Over 700 people rallied in front of the U.S. Supreme Court during oral arguments on Monday morning, April 22, 2024. Over 30 communities across the country held solidarity events, and nearly 5000 watched livestreams. The atmosphere was electric. (Read more about the Rally, Photo of Donald Whitehead speaking at the rally by Kevin Wolf, AP)

The case being considered by the court, City of Grants Pass v. Gloria Johnson, addresses the legality of using a blanket to keep warm when forced to sleep outdoors.

Regardless of the court’s decision, this case will not create any housing, nor directly address persistent poverty and homelessness. Rather, this case could set a precedent for municipalities to address homelessness and housing insecurity with ineffective and extreme punitive actions.

The case has sparked a national conversation about the intersection of housing policy, poverty, and civil liberties. Laws that prohibit things like sleeping, laying down or even eating in public spaces, are common, yet they reflect discriminatory practices that have led to deep inequities.

Grants Pass, Oregon, was itself a “Sundown Town” – communities that mostly sprang up during the mid-1800’s, where the movement of non-white residents was restricted after dark. Policies that continued through the 20th Century like Anti-Okie laws, Red-Lining and Jim Crow laws have all been collectively understood to be discriminatory and in violation of U.S. civil rights practices.

Yet as the Supreme Court prepares to hear this Johnson vs. Grants Pass, the situation for Americans forced to live outdoors in an increasingly unaffordable housing market sounds similar to how poor and nonwhite Americans have been treated in past centuries. A recently law in Tennessee has made sleeping outside a felony, and the Florida governor recently signed into law banning sleeping or “camping” in public spaces.

A recent study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that ticketing, jailing, and displacing people forced to sleep outdoors can actually lead to significantly higher mortality among folks who are unhoused. Moreover, fines and compounded tickets lead to criminal records for otherwise law-abiding citizens, creating further barriers to getting unhoused Americans back into a home.

“The Johnson vs. Grants Pass case is monumental,” states Donald H. Whitehead, Jr., Executive Director of the National Coalition for the Homeless. “It has the potential to instigate a barrage of draconian policies that cause significant harm to people experiencing homelessness in our country.”

The National Coalition for the Homeless, dedicated to organizing a movement led by those most affected to end homelessness, calls on our communities to invest in proven housing solutions. Hundreds are expected to rally in front of the U.S. Supreme Court building in support of Housing, Not Handcuffs.