Consider This from NPR A new executive order tackles causes of homelessness. Why are some advocates worried?
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Jul 29, 2025 President Trump's new executive order aims to reshape homelessness management by enforcing tougher treatment protocols for mental health and addiction. However, critics express concern that this may overlook the urgent need for affordable housing. The shift away from housing-first strategies raises questions about the effectiveness of prioritizing enforcement over support services. Advocates highlight the importance of addressing root causes, emphasizing that without integrating housing solutions, the issue will persist. This evolving political landscape brings both hope and skepticism regarding future approaches.
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Prioritize Housing Over Policing
- Invest in housing-first and mental health services proven to reduce homelessness.
- Avoid policies prioritizing law enforcement crackdowns; they risk criminalizing and harming homeless people.
Risks of New Homelessness Order
- The executive order moves away from proven housing-first programs to forced treatment and institutionalization.
- It compromises privacy by mandating sharing health data with law enforcement, raising ethical concerns.
Housing First Proven Effective
- Evidence says affordable housing plus supportive services work best to reduce homelessness.
- Lack of affordable housing is the main reason homelessness persists, not insufficient treatment.