Statement: Voting Rights Rollback in Latest Court Ruling

This is one of the most painful decisions by a Supreme Court that increasingly appears disconnected from the lived realities of millions of Americans.

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A voting rights rollback is unfolding in the United States following a recent Supreme Court ruling, raising urgent concerns about the future of equitable representation and democracy. Donald Whitehead, NCH’s executive director, is sounding the alarm, warning that the impact will be felt most by already marginalized communities. Below is his statement in response.

In this moment, we witnessed a crushing blow to the future of minority representation. It is another in a series of decisions that inaccurately imply that discrimination is a relic of the past—that somehow this nation has evolved beyond the need for vigilance, beyond the need for protection, beyond the need for justice. This voting rights rollback is not happening in isolation, but as part of a broader pattern. If this voting rights rollback continues, the consequences for marginalized communities will be severe.

But we know better.

History is not something we escaped—it is something we are still living through. The hard-fought, blood-soaked gains of the civil rights movement were never guaranteed to last forever. They were won through sacrifice, through courage, through people who refused to accept a system designed to silence them. And now, piece by piece, we are watching those gains chipped away under the false narrative of progress.

This is one of the most painful decisions by a Supreme Court that increasingly appears disconnected from the lived realities of millions of Americans. Decisions like this do not exist in a vacuum—they echo a past many of us know all too well. A past where access to the ballot was controlled, restricted, and weaponized. A past that looks uncomfortably familiar when we examine what is happening now.

We have not overcome.

Just look at what is happening in states like Florida, Texas, and soon Tennessee—where policies are being enacted that make it harder to vote, harder to be heard, and harder to be represented. These are not isolated incidents. They are part of a broader pattern—one that seeks to redefine access to democracy in ways that exclude the very communities who fought the hardest to be included.

Voting rights are not just about casting a ballot. They are about power. They are about voice. They are about whether communities can shape the policies that shape their lives.

And when those rights are weakened, it sends a clear message: that some voices matter less.

But we cannot—and will not—accept that.

Because every generation has a responsibility. The generation before us marched, bled, and sacrificed to expand democracy. Our responsibility is to protect it. To defend it. And, when necessary, to fight for it all over again.

This moment demands clarity. It demands courage. And it demands action.

Because democracy does not erode all at once—it erodes decision by decision, law by law, until one day we wake up and realize that what we thought was permanent was always fragile.

We are not powerless in this moment. But we must be honest about what we are facing.

This is not the end of the story.

It is a call to write the next chapter.

Homelessness ends when we all have safe, affordable and accessible housing.

But our communities are facing unprecedented challenges to our collective safety and efforts to house all of our neighbors.

This page serves as a resource for those fighting back against occupation in Washington, DC, as well as other communities that have been experiencing militarization and abductions of immigrants, people of color, and people who are unhoused.

 

NCH’s statement on Executive Orders

More Background:

Taking Action:

DC Info and Resources:

Cities Nationwide – Know-Your-Rights and other Info

Trump signs two executive orders aimed at “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets” that will actually make our cities more dangerous for residents who are poor.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – July 24, 2025 – Today, the Trump administration issued two executive orders that fundamentally misrepresent homelessness as a criminal issue rather than a societal challenge requiring compassionate and systemic solutions. The National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH), dedicated to addressing the root causes of homelessness since the 1980s, strongly condemns these directives as ineffective, wasteful, and a grave violation of civil rights.

The first executive order threatens to withhold Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funding from states that protect individuals from involuntary commitment to institutional care. The second order, contradictory to the first, proposes allowing Medicaid funding for mental health treatment.

“Everyone deserves a safe place to live,” stated Donald Whitehead, Jr., NCH Executive Director. “These executive orders ignore decades of evidence-based housing and support services in practice. They represent a punitive approach that has consistently failed to resolve homelessness and instead exacerbates the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals.”

This administration has a concerning record of disregarding civil rights and due process, as evidenced by recent actions concerning immigrants. These executive orders direct Attorney General Pam Bondi to challenge existing judicial precedents and consent decrees in communities where the civil rights of people experiencing homelessness or mental health crises have been violated.

The assertion that the majority of individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness are “addicted to drugs, have a mental health disorder, or both” is inaccurate. Furthermore, it disregards the reality that many individuals develop mental health or substance abuse issues after prolonged periods of homelessness due to the lack of safe and affordable housing.

As the executive order itself acknowledges, the Supreme Court has established due process protections that safeguard individuals from involuntary confinement in psychiatric hospitals. Historical attempts at mass institutionalization proved destructive to individuals’ lives and financially unsustainable for states. The original intent of deinstitutionalization in the 1970s was to accompany community re-integration with comprehensive housing and support services—a commitment that, tragically, remains underfunded and unfulfilled, both then and now.

The National Coalition for the Homeless reiterates that the definitive solution to homelessness is housing. Ensuring safe places to live and access to support services is not only a moral imperative but also the most effective strategy for building safer and more equitable communities.

(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:

“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

The National Solidarity Week is a week of active solidarity. We encourage peaceful protest and awareness events. It goes beyond mere awareness, serving as a powerful movement that fuels advocacy and fosters education on the harmful impacts of the Grants Pass verdict, which criminalizes homelessness #NCHSolidarityWeek 

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.

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

Join our monthly Town Hall series, held virtually the 3rd Thursday of each month at 3pm EST/ 2pm Central/ 1pm Mountain/ Noon PST.

Come to learn, to share, to connect and speak up. Special guests to be announced.

https://nationalhomeless.zoom.us/j/95379584765

Join our monthly Town Hall series, held virtually the 3rd Thursday of each month at 3pm EST/ 2pm Central/ 1pm Mountain/ Noon PST.

Come to learn, to share, to connect and speak up. Special guests to be announced.

https://nationalhomeless.zoom.us/j/95379584765