Dear John,

While the Trump administration's attempts at sowing division, chaos, and confusion haven’t slowed down, we haven't slowed down either. We remain steadfast and clear in our vision to ensure everyone has the housing and support they need to thrive.

As a reminder, we are hosting a webinar this Thursday at 2 PM EST to discuss the Trump administration’s intentions to make homelessness worse, and what we’re doing to fight back. See below for more details, and to learn about the increased threat in California, a legislative step forward in Maryland, and last week’s powerful protest of the anti-homeless, billionaire-backed Cicero Institute in Austin, Texas.
 

WEBINAR 

This Thursday, February 20th at 2 PM EST, join us along with our partners for an essential webinar: Trump, Homelessness, and the Road Ahead. 

Speakers: 

Peggy Bailey, Center for Budget and Policy Priorities  
Shameka Parrish-Wright, VOCAL-KY 
Donald Whitehead, National Coalition for the Homeless 
Jesse Rabinowitz, National Homelessness Law Center 
Shelby King, Shelterforce 

Fremont, CA criminalizes “aiding” and “abetting” homeless communities 

In addition to banning public camping, the Fremont City Council approved a policy that makes it illegal to assist unhoused people. Outreach workers, mutual aid organizations, and compassionate citizens will have to make a choice between potentially keeping someone alive on a cold night by providing them with a blanket, or could be subject to penalties of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail. Fremont's one cruel new law will not solve homelessness but will put many unhoused residents in life-threatening danger.

‘Victims of Cicero’ protest Austin-based think tank 

Last week, the National Homelessness Law Center was proud to stand with VOCAL-TX to protest the billionaire-run Cicero Institute, the far-right think tank pushing to arrest homeless communities across the country. “Billionaires like Joe Lonsdale and the Cicero Institute promote policies for ticketing, arresting, incarcerating and institutionalizing people who cannot afford a place to live, and who need treatment and care,” said VOCAL-TX Co-Director Paulette Soltani. 

Maryland introduces Gloria Johnson Act to ban arrests of homeless residents 

Legislation in Maryland, modeled off our Gloria Johnson Act would prevent arrests or fines for having no choice but to live outside. “The only reason someone doesn’t want this bill to pass is because they want to be able to arrest Maryland residents who can’t afford the rent,” said Eric Tars of the Law Center.