Last week, the Trump Administration issued an Executive Order titled Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets.
The Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance captures the crux of the order’s impact in their statement here:
“The Executive Order is clear: the Trump Administration opposes Housing First, an approach that pairs housing with wraparound services that provide a stable foundation for people beginning to address other challenges in their lives. Decades of evidence has shown Housing First to be effective. Retention rates average over 85% still housed even a few years later…
This isn’t simply an abstract debate about approach: this Executive Order and the proposed changes in policy and funding will likely destabilize many vulnerable households in Massachusetts and make it nearly impossible for others to end their homelessness.”
The National Alliance to End Homelessness’ CEO Ann Oliva also issued a statement with additional detail that can be summed up here:
“This order seeks to dismantle the foundations of homeless response in the United States and further dehumanize people experiencing homelessness.
We will continue to stay informed about the consequences of this order and be at the ready to take action with our state and national partners.
