Content categorized as Criminalization of Homelessness

Don’t define me by where I sleep

Jacquelyn Portee tells her story.

“Where else can we go?” ask residents of an embattled DC homeless encampment

One man was arrested while resisting a group eviction of homeless people illegally camping in tents on public space across from the U.S. State Department. Two cleanups were held over seven days. Tents returned to the area both nights.

Controversial HSRA bill passes first vote

In Nov. 7th vote D.C. council passes the Homeless Services Reform Act of 2017 and debated several additional changes. The bill governs qualifications and rights for people in the human services system, the act must pass a second vote in D.C. council.

Trying to do my job

Marcellus Phillips talks about being asked to leave a location, while selling his Street Sense newspapers, by a police detective.

Street cement

Vendor/Artist James Davis writes a moving poem about the persecution homeless people face.

We’re really stuck

Robert Williams speaks out about income inequality.

Stop Bulldozing The Homeless

Sheila White gives her opinion on a encampment that was destroyed with a bulldozer.

Grosso Introduces Landmark Civil Rights Amendment to Protect Homeless Washingtonians

An amendment was introduced to D.C. Council on July 11, 2017 that would make homelessness a protected class under Washington, D.C. human rights law. The bill was introduced under the name of famed homeless advocate Michael A. Stoops.

D.C. Evicts Tent Community Under NoMa Metro Bridge

D.C. government evicted an encampment under the 2nd Street bridge in northwest Washington on June 20. This cleanup was followed by a second, informal eviction at a new encampment made up of many of the recently displaced tenants.

All Kinds of People

A vendor faces discrimination and problems when trying to make a positive impact by selling Street Sense.

HUD Seeks to Prevent Criminalization of Homelessness

Arnold Abbott made international headlines in 2014 when images of the then 90-year-old chef being arrested along with two ministers for sharing food with homeless… Read more »

Federal judge Blocks Effort to Ban Philadephia Homeless Feeding Programs

In his ruling last month, U.S. District Judge William Yohn said he saw no evidence the city of Philadelphia’s plan to feed the homeless outside City Hall was any better than the way it was being done by charity groups.

Sitting on Sidewalks Too Uncivilized for California Mayor

In Berkeley, Calif., Mayor Tom Bates wants to ban sitting on sidewalks, according to the Contra Costa Times.

Anti-Homeless Laws: Finally, Some Good News

A new report, released by two federal agencies, offers alternatives to criminalizing homelessness. The findings could change the way cities treat their homeless—or not.

The Stress of Poverty

Some people live in stress and oppression every day. They are poor, with no way out. Poverty could be one of the downfalls of America.

Houston votes to regulate homeless feeding efforts

On Wednesday, April 4, the Houston City Council voted 11-6 to outlaw feeding homeless people anywhere in the city without the permission of the property owner.

NY’s Stricter Homeless Rules Rejected by Court

Unmarried people do not need to prove that they have nowhere else to stay before entering a homeless shelter, a Manhattan court ruled February 22.

Homeless in Montreal Got 30,551 Tickets in Five Years

A study shows, that in less than 5
years, 30,551 tickets were handed out
to homeless people in Montreal, Canada,for municipal bylaw and Société de transport de Montréal violations.

Ukraine’s Homeless Suffer Through Big Freeze: Resources Stretched Thin

As the temperature plummets in Ukraine, the death toll continues to soar with the country’s homeless worst affected, calling into question the Ukrainian government’s stance on homelessness and unemployment.

Street Sense Vendor Sues Metro Transit Cops for False Arrest

A Street Sense vendor who uses a
wheelchair has sued two Metro Transit Police officers, claiming they violated his constitutional rights during a May 19, 2011, arrest near the U Street Metro station.