Statement on the Cruelty of Disbanding Homeless Encampments

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(WASHINGTON, D.C – February 13th) The Executive Order issued by President Trump to dismantle homeless encampments in the District of Columbia reflects a deeply concerning disregard for the dignity and humanity of some of the most vulnerable members of our society. Disbanding these encampments while the region is experiencing harsh winter conditions, without a comprehensive plan for adequate housing and support services, is not a solution to homelessness but a cruel and inhumane approach that undermines the basic rights of individuals experiencing hardship. The shelter system in DC is currently at capacity; there is no place for people to move to.

Instead of addressing the root causes of homelessness—such as lack of affordable housing, mental health issues, and unemployment—this policy exacerbates the suffering of those affected by forcing them into even more precarious situations. The lack of viable alternatives further endangers their health, safety, and well-being. The shelter system was created by caring and concerned community members who frequently found individuals who had died during similar weather patterns.

We must remember that homelessness is not merely a statistic; it represents real people facing unimaginable challenges. Rather than disbanding encampments, we should be advocating for compassionate solutions that prioritize affordable housing production, jobs that pay livable wages, increased access to mental health resources, and community support services. It is our moral obligation to create a society that uplifts and respects every individual’s right to shelter, support, and safety.

Please call your congressional representative to tell the administration to find more innovative and compassionate, data-driven solutions.

Press Contact: Donald Whitehead, Executive Director of the National Coalition for the Homeless

Additional Responses to the Executive Orders:

NCH’s Stand Against the Federal Grants Freeze | Part II

It was so encouraging to witness the overwhelming support for programs and funding for people and organizations across this country when the administration’s executive order halted funding. People organized immediately—it was a testament to people coming together to fight against injustice.

While I am deeply moved by the outpouring of resistance,I am also hopeful that the same level of energy and resistance will continue as we launch our direct action campaign against criminalization. It is our belief that the criminalization actions we are witnessing across the country are direct violations of the Constitution of the United States.

Please keep your eyes open for information about our efforts to stand up for those who, in some cases, cannot stand up for themselves. If you are someone experiencing homelessness, we need you in this fight, and we look forward to partnering with you to ensure that everyone has a path toward housing justice that does not include a carceral approach.

In solidarity,
Donald Whitehead

A Moral Outcry: Standing United

In a matter of days, the Trump Administration has unleashed a storm of chaos that threatens the very foundation of our communities. Among the most devastating actions is the abrupt halt of federal grants—a lifeline for millions of Americans and the organizations that work tirelessly to serve them.

As our Executive Director, Donald Whitehead, so passionately states:


 “Focusing on our goals is essential, especially when faced with distractions or fear tactics. Resistance can take many forms—whether through community action, personal perseverance, or advocating for change. Many of these gestures will not stand.  

 Martin Luther King, Jr., reminded us that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” Change takes a long time, but it does happen.”

The sweeping directive, issued by the White House budget office, pauses grants, loans, and financial aid, allegedly to realign programs with the administration’s priorities. The consequences, however, are immediate, far-reaching, and catastrophic. For countless individuals who rely on this funding—for food, housing, and medical care—this decision is more than a policy shift. It is a direct threat to survival.

Standing United
The National Coalition for the Homeless stands resolute in our outrage and heartbreak. This is not how a democracy functions. This is not who we are as a nation. Stripping resources from the most vulnerable among us is unimaginable, unjust, and utterly unacceptable.

Let us be clear:
 We will not stand idly by.
 We will not back down.
 We will not be silenced.

This fight transcends politics–it is a fight for the seniors who left without food, the families without homes, and the children who left without care. This is a fight for humanity. This is a fight for the soul of our nation.

The Stakes Have Never Been Higher
By 5 PM today, January 28th, the Trump Administration has directed the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to freeze federal funding. This means all federal agencies providing financial assistance—including HUD—will halt grants and loans. While programs like Social Security and Medicare remain untouched, this freeze will devastate countless others:

  • Addressing and preventing homelessness, which has already seen an 18% increase.
  • Operating and maintaining public housing for vulnerable families.
  • Providing rental assistance to low-income residents.
  • Rebuilding homes destroyed by natural disasters.
  • Investigating civil rights and fair housing violations.
  • Ensuring low-income families have heat during the winter.
  • Supporting eviction prevention grants and housing counseling.

This is not just a budget decision. It is an attack on the very people who need us most.

A Call to Action: Stand With Us
 Now, more than ever, we need you. This is not a fight we can win alone—it’s a fight that demands all of us.

Here’s how you can help:

  1. Call your lawmakers’ D.C. offices 
    1. The Capitol Hill switchboard is (202) 224-3121. A switchboard operator will connect you directly with the House or Senate office you request. Don’t know what to say? Please use this script or change it to convey your own message.  
    2. “The freeze on federal grants, loans, and other financial assistance directed by the Trump Administration will have immediate and harmful impacts in our community.  Rent payments will be delayed to landlords, services will be disrupted, and frontline staff will likely miss their pay.  I urge you your boss to contact the White House immediately and demand that this memorandum be

 

  1. Email Congress to Fight the Freeze! Use this link to urge your Congressional Representatives to stand up to this NCH’s Stand Against the Federal Grants Freeze! Demand they oppose the federal grants freeze and advocate for the most vulnerable in our society.

Your voice matters. Your actions matter. Together, we can resist this injustice and protect the dignity of every individual in our community.

Join Us. Stand With Us. Fight With Us.

This is not just our fight—it’s everyone’s fight. Together, we are stronger. Together, we will prevail.

 

Press Contact: 

Donald Whitehead

Executive Director | National Coalition for the Homeless

Email: DWhitehead@nationalhomeless.org

 

“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

The National Coalition for the Homeless brings you the National Lived Experience Leadership Conference, a powerful platform for change and transformation held annually. Each year, this unique event unites individuals with lived experience of homelessness alongside advocates, lawmakers, and federal agencies to strategize and share actionable steps toward truly ending homelessness in America.

Through engaging seminars, inspiring storytelling, and the expressive power of art, participants gain valuable skills and tools to address homelessness at its root. The conference fosters unity and collaboration, encouraging attendees to network, share experiences, and work together to build sustainable solutions. It’s more than a gathering—it’s a yearly catalyst for change, empowering those most impacted to lead the way in the fight to end homelessness.

Answering the Call: Bridging Communities, Systems, and Policy

Held in partnership with Destination: Home, this annual event brings together individuals with lived experience of homelessness, activists and leaders from across the country for three days of connection, learning and leadership development. Attendees will learn from fellow experts and transform lived experience into collective action to solve homelessness.

This year, the conference returns to the West Coast! Here’s what you can expect at #NLELC26:

  • Networking events 
  • Engaging panel discussions and presentations
  • Immersive action labs
  • Skill-building workshops
  • Storytelling opportunities
  • Film screenings
  • Wellness sessions, healing spaces, self-care activities, and more

Every aspect of this conference – from logistics planning to session themes – is informed and led by people most impacted by this issue.

Learn more
2025 National Lived Experience Leadership Conference
November 17-19, 2025
Cincinnati, OH

The 2025 National Lived Experience Leadership Conference, was held for the first time both Virtually and In-Person in Cincinnati, Ohio, November 17-19, 2025.  Click below to learn more about the event, including how to find session recordings.

Learn More
2024 National Lived Experience Leadership Conference
November 11 – 13, 2024
San Jose Marriott / San Jose, CA

The annual conference was hosted for the first time on the West Coast, featuring panel discussions, action labs, and workshops led by experts in the field – including people with lived experience of homelessness. Every aspect of this conference – from logistics planning to session themes – was informed by the perspectives of the people who are most impacted by this issue.

 

Learn more
2023 Leadership Conference

On Saturday, September 29th to 30th, the Capitol Hilton Hotel became the epicenter of change and transformation! For the first time since 2002, the National Coalition for the Homeless held a conference in Washington, DC, marking the gathering of those with recent homeless experience together with lawmakers and federal agencies. Through a whirlwind of networking, spellbinding storytelling, inspiring artistry, and dynamic collaboration, attendees discussed action steps toward truly ending homelessness in America.

Learn more

2025 National Lived Experience Leadership Conference

On Nov. 17–19, the National Coalition for the Homeless hosted the Lived Experience Leadership Conference in Cincinnati, with a core mission to organize, advocate, and empower.

People from across the country came together, carrying the weight of lived realities, stories of survival, resilience, and hope. The conference featured transformational workshops where participants co-created strategies for justice and systemic change, and evenings of connection were capped with a gala dinner that celebrated leadership, courage, and the power of community.

Voices that are often ignored rose together, guiding conversations about housing, justice, and human dignity. Participants shared their journeys, connected over shared challenges, and celebrated victories both small and monumental. It was more than a conference; it was a gathering of courage, a testament to what can happen when those most impacted by inequity lead the fight for solutions.

By the final day, bonds had been forged, strategies had been sharpened, and a movement had been strengthened. Attendees left with renewed purpose, carrying the energy and lessons of Cincinnati into their communities, ready to continue organizing, advocating, and empowering others to demand the world they deserve.

2025 National Lived Experience Leadership Conference

Watch Highlights & Workshops

Experience the energy, inspiration, and leadership of the 2025 Lived Experience Leadership Conference in Cincinnati. From transformational workshops to the gala dinner, these moments capture how lived experience drives change, builds community, and empowers action.

Missed the conference? Click the button below to watch a selection of the many transformational workshops presented at the 2025 Lived Experience Leadership Conference.

Watch Videos

Unlocking the Potential of Leaders who have Experienced Homelessness Conference Workshops will be led by moderators who have experienced homelessness. Our generous sponsors have ensured that at least 100 advocates from across the country who have lived experience can travel to Washington, DC for this important summit.

Unforgettable Moments