August 29, 2025

Time for Action to Reverse Harmful Homeless Policy

Whew, its been another rough week. 

Donald Trump is using homelessness as a catalyst to further his takeover of Washington, DC. There are now armed military personnel on the streets of DC, and roaming bands of other law enforcement personnel displacing residents sleeping outdoors, trashing personal items (tents, ID, medications, etc.), and disappearing neighbors based on racist ideologies. 

The residents of the District did not ask for – and do not consent to – federal usurpation of local government powers.  If we’re going to have a major “emergency” effort to address homelessness in DC, let’s do what really works: housing that people can afford paired with services that people want.   

Other cities are being considered for federal takeover such as Baltimore, Chicago, New York, and San Francisco - cities that have a black mayor or have a large population of color. Chicago has been called out specifically and will likely see an onslaught of ICE personnel in the coming weeks. 

Homelessness is a housing issue, one that needs to be addressed by policy and not by military force. We must keep up the pressure for human equality. Let’s speak up and speak out!

Advocacy Matters! Here are some tips on talking with legislators:

1. Visit Congressional Representative's District Office (Congress is still at home until early September). Tell your Senators and Members of Congress that encampment raids do not solve homelessness.
2. Visit your local and state representative offices. Meet in small groups with other advocates and discuss the importance housing has on the health of our communities.
3. Review your lawmakers voting record on homeless legislation. Email and talk to them about homeless prevention and stopping encampment raids.

We are committed to combating these injustices head-on. We are organizing community webinars, awareness campaigns, and direct actions to mobilize our neighbors and escalate our efforts to prevent this troubling trend from taking hold in other communities.

However, we cannot do this alone.

Our grassroots organizing depends on the generosity and support of individuals who believe in our mission and the power of community action.

We are deeply grateful for any contribution you can make!

National Coalition for the Homeless

2201 P St NW,
Washington, DC 20037

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