Street Sweepers — Flushing Out The Sleepers

Recent Presidential Actions on Homelessness: What You Need to Know

In July 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at addressing homelessness in the United States, marking a significant shift in federal policy. This directive, titled “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets,” focuses on tackling what the administration describes as a public safety crisis driven by homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health issues. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

1. Encouraging Civil Commitment: The executive order directs the Attorney General to work toward reversing judicial precedents and consent decrees that limit states and cities from using civil commitment. This process could involve moving individuals experiencing homelessness—particularly those with mental health or addiction issues—into treatment facilities, sometimes involuntarily, if they are deemed a risk to themselves or others.
2. Redirecting Federal Resources: The order shifts funding priorities away from “Housing First” policies, which emphasize providing stable housing before addressing other issues like addiction or mental health. Instead, it prioritizes programs requiring sobriety and treatment and supports jurisdictions that enforce bans on activities like urban camping, loitering, and public drug use.
3. Focus on Public Safety: The administration highlights public safety concerns, citing a record-high 770,000 people experiencing homelessness on a single night in 2024, many of whom face challenges with substance abuse or mental health. The order aims to restore order in cities by relocating individuals to treatment centers or other facilities.
4. Criticism from Advocates: Homelessness advocates have raised concerns, arguing that the order may criminalize homelessness and fail to address root causes like affordable housing shortages. Critics, including the National Homelessness Law Center, warn that forced institutionalization and reduced funding for housing programs could exacerbate the crisis and disproportionately impact marginalized groups.

This executive order builds on a 2024 Supreme Court ruling allowing cities to penalize people for sleeping in public spaces, even when no shelter is available. It also follows earlier 2025 actions, such as an order to clear homeless encampments from federal lands in Washington, D.C., and the establishment of the National Center for Warrior Independence to support homeless veterans.

What’s Next?

The debate over these policies is ongoing, with supporters praising the focus on treatment and public safety, while opponents call for more investment in housing and voluntary support services. As local governments and federal agencies begin implementing these changes, communities across the U.S. will be watching closely to see their impact.

Stay informed and share your thoughts—how do you think we should address homelessness in our cities?

*Sources: White House announcements, NPR, CNN, and the National Homelessness Law Center, July 2025.*