New resource from NLC highlights best, worst practices for addressing homelessness

Homelessness is a complex societal problem that’s indicative of poorly considered policies and overlapping systems of oppression. It’s a visual representation of poverty, sometimes stemming from the way in which underserved demographics are failed generationally. And oftentimes, it’s an issue that’s swept under the rug—hidden from the public eye through encampment evictions and loitering ordinances. 

But these short-sighted actions, taken to benefit only some, can inflict irrecoverable damage on those most vulnerable and deepen social chasms. Tackling homelessness requires a much more compassionate and contemplative approach, according to a new resource for cities on the subject by the National League of Cities (NLC). 

“Homelessness is first and foremost the result of a severe shortage of affordable housing, poverty and insufficient resources,” according to the report, “An Overview of Homeless Encampments.” 

The document’s author, Lauren Lowery, program director of housing and community development at NLC, described it as “a foundational piece for city leaders to understand what encampments are, why they’re happening, and (it) also looks at the different types of ways cities go about clearing encampments and what strategies are more human-centered and compassionate strategies could be deployed.” 

As outlined in the document, there are a myriad of reasons why people are homeless. Some might choose to live in an encampment because there aren’t better housing options available. Many shelters, for example, have specific entry requirements like sobriety and separation from partners or pets. Encampments afford freedom, if not stability. 

Others might be suffering from uncontrolled mental illnesses or addiction. 

“Some shelters are also known to be health and sanitation hazards, with citations of health code violations, evidence of bug infestations, and issues with waste storage and disposal,” the report says. “These concerns are especially pertinent in light of the COVID-19 pandemic given the limited ability to maintain safe social distancing in an overcrowded shelter.” 

While the reasons that drive people into homelessness are complicated, the criminalization of it “creates and exacerbates barriers to housing and employment, rather than addressing the causes of homelessness,” the report says. “By making sleeping, camping, sitting or lying down, pan handling, sleeping in cars, loitering, or begging illegal—either in an entire city, or in particular places—it criminalizes individuals for engaging in life-sustaining activities, and disproportionately impacts Black Americans.” 

The resource highlights a few actions that aren’t effective: specifically, encampment “sweeps,” or evictions. 

“Removing people will not solve anything,” Lowery said, noting alternatively, “Having housing and services paired would be most helpful for those experiencing homelessness.” 

Without referrals to shelters or other resources (assuming they’re in place), encampment evictions disperse without follow-up. Dismantling an encampment, even if it’s driven by a public health concern, is counterproductive because it increases the potential of disease spread. It’s a delicate balance. 

But while taking action to hide homelessness isn’t productive, sanctioning encampments without providing services and permanent housing solutions isn’t a sustainable solution, either. The approach needs to be comprehensive. 

“Homelessness is clearly policy failures. I think for cities to move forward, there should be more emphasis on building housing—specifically safe, affordable housing,” Lowery continued. This approach begins with the consideration of “compassionate policies and more human experience. … Housing is a basic human right—acknowledging this is the first step.” 

The next is to give people who are homeless and who have experienced homelessness at seat at the table. 

“I cannot emphasize this enough,” Lowery continued, stressing the importance of including “people with lived experience of homelessness” in discussions.  

Because homelessness is the result of so many social challenges, another first step for administrators to take is to “address the racial disparity in the homeless population as well.” Lowery highlighted NLC’s racial equity assessment resource as a positive step for administrators to take “a really deep dive into those policies to really begin understanding their approach to homelessness, considering the challenge “through a racial equity lens.” 

With federal funding available for communities of all sizes, Lowery said now is a great time for communities to address homelessness: “In the American Rescue Plan, you have funding forces such as state, local and fiscal funds that could be appropriated,” among many others, she said. “Cities of all sizes can begin to think through how they can begin to implement a homeless strategy that really begins to move the needle.”