Criminalization of the Unhoused: A Case Study Of Alternatives to a Punitive System

Millions of people today experience housing insecurity and homelessness, a large percentage of whom live without access to a sanctioned shelter site. The predominant response to this housing and homelessness crisis by local governments throughout the country is the enforcement of punitive measures that are ineffective and inhumane. A punitive approach to addressing unsheltered homelessness creates insurmountable barriers to housing and employment, keeping people in a cycle of homelessness that becomes increasingly difficult to overcome. Using law enforcement as the primary tool to address homelessness is not just counterproductive--it is expensive. Multiple studies have demonstrated the significant cost savings by redirecting enforcement dollars toward housing and support services.