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Changing Laws. Changing Lives.
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Press Releases  Advocacy Groups sue St. Johns County Sheriff, Florida Highway Patrol Director for enforcing unconstitutional Florida laws against homeless man who asked for donations
Jacksonville, Fla., February 13, 2019 – A group of advocacy organizations and pro bono attorneys are suing St. Johns County Sheriff David B. Shoar and Florida Highway Patrol Director Gene Spaulding on behalf of Peter Vigue, a St. Augustine resident who has been arrested by both law enforcement agencies for standing on the public right of way and holding a sign soliciting donations.
Wednesday, February 13, 2019 | Read more...
700,000 U.S. Minors are Alone Without A Home: New Report Addresses Their Rights In Every State
Washington, DC, February 13, 2019 – A new report by the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty and National Network for Youth discusses the state laws impacting an estimated 700,000 minors in the U.S. experiencing homelessness alone each year. These youth face high risks of assault, dropping out of school, food insecurity, and health problems.
Wednesday, February 13, 2019 | Read more...
As Shutdown Puts Families at Risk of Homelessness, Federal Law Protects Children's School Rights
Washington, DC, January 25, 2018 – Over 2.5 millions children experience homelessness each year in the U.S., and advocates fear their ranks will increase due to the continuing government shutdown. As the 800,000 federal government employees currently furloughed or working without pay miss their second paycheck today, some will be unable to pay their rent or mortgage-- putting them and their families at risk of homelessness. More than two million other low-income families rely on government rental subsidies to help pay their rent, subsidies that are only guaranteed through February 28th.
Maria Foscarinis: Barr's Nomination for Attorney General Raises Concerns for Homeless Advocates
Washington, DC, December 19, 2018 – As the nation's top law enforcement agency the Department of Justice is responsible for protecting the civil and human rights of all people in this country—including people experiencing homelessness. William Barr's record calls into question his commitment to doing so, and indicates instead support for policies that contribute to and perpetuate homelessness. We at the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty join our partners at the Leadership Conference for Civil and Human Rights in calling on the Senate to fully vet his nomination.
Maria Foscarinis: Public Charge Rule Undermines Human Rights, Harms Families and Communities
Washington, DC, December 10, 2018 – Today, the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty joined the close to 190,000 other commenters in submitting a comment opposing the proposed "public charge rule," that will prevent immigrant families from pursuing permanent legal residency if they or someone in their household legally uses assistance through certain federal programs including housing and nutrition programs.
Maria Foscarinis: Public Charge Rule Will Destabilize Immigrant Families
Washington, DC, September 25, 2018 – Over the weekend, the Trump Administration announced a rule that will prevent immigrant families from pursuing permanent legal residency if they or someone in their household legally uses assistance through certain federal programs.
Let us be clear: human rights an human needs do not disappear based on immigration status. Everyone needs a safe, secure place to live, nutritious food, and access to adequate health care. Keeping poor families out of housing and denying them food will only force them into deeper poverty and potential homelessness. This hurts the, their children, and our communities.
Tuesday, September 25, 2018 | Read more...
Homeless People Sue for Unconstitutional Destruction of their Property
Washington, DC, September 19, 2018 – Six homeless people whose property was destroyed when they were evicted from their outdoor homes filed a lawsuit against the City of Puyallup and Pierce County, Washington. The complaint alleges that the city and county violated their constitutional rights when they destroyed or threw away their shelters and other needed property on little or no notice, and without any opportunity to challenge the destruction.
Federal Appeals Court Affirms Right of Homeless Persons to Not Be Punished for Sleeping in Public Absence of Alternatives
Boise, Idaho, September 4, 2018 – Today the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed that homeless persons cannot be punished for sleeping outside in the absence of adequate alternatives in Martin v. Boise (formerly Bell v. Boise), a lawsuit challenging Boise, Idaho's ban on sleeping in public. In so holding, the court of appeals permitted various homeless individuals who have received criminal citations under Boise's policy to proceed with their constitutional claims against the City.
Washington, D.C., August 28, 2018 – A nationwide effort to strike down bans on panhandling commenced today as part of the Housing Not Handcuffs Campaign. Advocates in a dozen states are demanding more than 200 cities repeal panhandling bans and redirect resources to housing and other support for people experiencing homelessness.
Tuesday, August 28, 2018 | Read more...
Civil Rights Groups Challenge Greensboro's Unconstitutional Panhandling Ordinance
Washington, D.C., August 8, 2018 – Three people who have experienced homelessness and a national advocacy group filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block a Greensboro ordinance that criminalizes "agressive" panhandling and many activities protected by the First Amendment. The plaintiffs are being represented by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) or North Carolina, Legal Aid of North Carolina and the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty. The groups say that Greensboro's ordinance violates the free speech, equal protection, and due process rights of people who ask for contributions in public places in the city.
Homeless People in RVs Ask the Court to Stop the City's Ticketing and Impoundment of Their Vehicles
Washington, D.C., July 26, 2018 – Hundreds of homeless people in San Diego, many with disabilities, hope to lawfully stay in their RVs and other vehicles after today's preliminary injunction hearing. The National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty, along with Disability Rights California, Fish & Richardson PC, and others, will be heard in court at 2 p.m. PST to request that ticketing and impounding of homeless persons' vehicles, often the only form of shelter available to poor and disable people in the city's increasingly unaffordable rental market, be stopped during the pendency of the class action lawsuit, Bloom et al. vs. City of San Diego.
Thursday, July 26, 2018 | Read more...
HUD Prioritizes Funding for Communities Taking Steps Against Criminalization of Homelessness
Washington, D.C., July 18, 2018 – For the fourth time since 2015, the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) is encouraging communities to decriminalize homelessness. Last month, HUD issued its annual Notice Of Funding Application (NOFA) for its $2.2 billion grant stream for Continuums of Care - the public/private collaboratives that provide homeless services across the country. The funding application offers additional points to communities that document the steps they are taking to combat the criminalization of homelessness.
Cyndi Lauper's True Colors Fund and the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty Unveil First-of-its-Kind Resource to Address Youth Homelessness
Los Angeles, CA, June 28, 2018 – Today, Cyndi Lauper and the True Colors Fund, in partnership with the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty, unveiled the State Index on Youth Homelessness - a first-of-its-kind resource that evaluates all 50 states and the District of Columbia on their efforts to prevent and end youth homelessness.
Thursday, June 28, 2018 | Read more...
2018 National Forum on the Human Right to Housing to Be Held in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., June 27, 2018 – Today the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty will hold the 2018 National Forum on the Human Right to Housing in Washington, D.C., at the law offices of Sidley Austin LLP. With over 170 people from across the United States registered to attend, the annual Forum serves as a platform for key voices in activism including those currently or formerly experiencing homelessness.
Wednesday, June 27, 2018 | Read more...
HUD Prioritizes Funding for Communities Taking Steps Against Criminalization of Homelessness
Washington, D.C., June 21, 2018 – On June 20, the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development issued its annual Notice Of Funding Application for its $2.2 billion grant stream for Continuums of Care - the public/private collaborative that provide homeless services across the country. For the fourth time since 2015, the funding application offers additional points to communities that document the steps they are taking to combat the criminalization of homelessness.
Lawsuit Challenging Ban on Living in Vehicles Moves Forward
Washington, D.C., June 12, 2018 – On Friday, June 8, a U.S. District Court denied the City of San Diego's motion to dismiss in a lawsuit challenges the ticketing of homeless people living in RVs and other vehicles.
Tuesday, June 12, 2018 | Read more...
UN Expert's Report on Poverty in America Highlights the Criminalization of Homelessness as Driven by "Hatred for the Poor"
Washington, D.C., June 4, 2018 – Last Friday, the top United Nations expert on poverty and human rights Philip Alston issued his official report on his mission to the United States in December 2017.
Monday, June 4, 2018 | Read more...
Homelessness Law Center Celebrates Win for Renters' Rights and Protection Against Foreclosure
Washington, D.C., May 24, 2018 – The Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act of 2009 (PTFA), a federal protection for renters living in homes that are foreclosed, has been reinstated and signed into law by President Trump. The PTFA requires banks to provide at least 90 days' notice before being required to move due to foreclosure. Leaders at the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty (the Law Center) actively advocated for the PTFA's renewal since its expiration in 2014.
Thursday, May 24, 2018 | Read more...
Homelessness Law Center Sues U.S. General Services Administration for Failing to Release Documents on Program to Offer Unused Federal Property to Serve Homeless People
Washington, D.C., May 2, 2018 – The National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty, with pro bono support from Sidley Austin LLP, is suing the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) for failing to turn over documents under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
Housing Advocates Say New HUD Plan Will Increase Homelessness
Washington, D.C., April 26, 2018 – On Wednesday, Secretary Ben Carson of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) made public a plan to increase rent for millions of the nation's poorest households. For the lowest income families, rent will be tripled.
Thursday, April 26, 2018 | Read more...
Homelessness Law Center Celebrates Opening of Exhibit Inspired by Pulitzer Prize-Winning Book, Evicted
Washington, D.C., April 13, 2018 – Pulitzer Prize-winning nonfiction book Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City, by Matthew Desmond, is the inspiration for a new exhibit at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. The immersive exhibition will premiere April 14, presenting new data developed by Desmond's Eviction Lab and using original photography and audio interviews to examine the impact of eviction.
Report: Renters' Rights, Eviction Protection Key to Preventing Homelessness
Washington, D.C., March 20, 2018 – Strengthening tenants' rights can reduce housing instability and prevent homelessness, according to a new report released today by the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty.
Civil Rights, Housing, and Community Development Organizations Call on HUD to Maintain a Critical Fair Housing Tool and Not to Roll Back the Promise of the Fair Housing Act
Washington, D.C., January 5, 2018 – The National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty joins 75 national civil rights, faith-based, affordable housing, and other organizations to voice our strong opposition to HUD's sudden and short-sighted decision to effectively suspend the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) regulation.
Friday, January 5, 2018 | Read more...
New Report Reveals Rapid Growth of Homeless Tent Cities Across U.S.
Washington, D.C., December 20, 2017 – The National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty released a new report, Tent City USA: The Growth of America's Homeless Encampments and How Communities are Responding, reviewing the rapid growth of homeless people living in tents across the United States over the pasts decade, as measured by documentation in media reports.
Report: HUD Significantly Undercounts Homeless Population
Washington, D.C., December 6, 2017 – In response to the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) release of its 2017 point-in-time (PIT) count of the homeless population in the United States, the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty (the Law Center) released a new report detailing problems with HUD's methodology that result in a significant undercount of homeless Americans.
Homeless people, many with disabilities, sue City of San Diego over unfair ticketing
San Diego, CA, November 16, 2017 – A group of homeless people, many with disabilities, sued the City of San Diego today over unfair ticketing of their vehicles. They are represented by Fish & Richardson, Disability Rights California, National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty, Dreher Law Firm, and Bonnett Fairbourn & Balint. The class-action lawsuit challenges enforcement of ordinances banning nighttime RV parking and vehicle habitation that unfairly target homeless people.
Law Center on Homelessness Releases Education Manual to Help Students and Families After Hurricane Disasters
Washington, D.C. November 8, 2017 – The National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty (the Law Center) released its Homeless Education Advocacy Manual: Disaster Edition, a resource that guides homeless students and their families displaced by a disaster on their rights to educational continuity and stability during disaster recovery.
Wednesday, November 8, 2017 | Read more...
19th Annual McKinney-Vento Awards to Honor NFL Player Vernon Davis and U.S. Senator Cory Booker
Washington, D.C. October 24, 2017 – Vernon Davis of the National Football League (NFL) and U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) will be honored tonight by the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty (Law Center) at the 19th Annual McKinney-Vento Awards for their efforts to end homelessness in America.
NFL player Vernon Davis and Senator Cory Booker to be honored at 19th Annual McKinney-Vento Awards
Washington, D.C. October 17, 2017 –The McKinney-Vento Awards, hosted by the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty, is an annual event to recognize individuals and organizations that have advanced solutions to homelessness and poverty in the United States.
Statement on Hurricane Irma
Washington, D.C. September 12, 2017 – There is no shortage of natural disasters this year, with hurricanes, wildfires, and earthquakes leaving thousands of people displaced and many facing the possibility of homelessness.
Tuesday, September 12, 2017 | Read more... Statement on Hurricane Harvey
Washington, D.C. August 29, 2017 – Over the weekend, as Hurricane Harvey pummeled south Texas with deadly winds and heavy rains, leaving thousands of people in the Houston area displaced, it brought the reality of homelessness to the fore for millions.
Monday, August 28, 2017 | Read more... Homeless Houstonians Granted Temporary Restraining Order to Prevent Arrests for Public Camping
Houston, TX. August 22, 2017 – Homeless residents of Houston have been granted a temporary restraining order prohibiting the City of Houston from enforcing an anti-camping ordinance against homeless people for sheltering themselves in public. The residents are represented by the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty, the ACLU of Texas, and Dechert LLP.
Tuesday, August 22, 2017 | Read more... Ninth Circuit Court Hears Arguments Challenging Boise's Ban on Sleeping in Public
Boise, ID July 13, 2017 – Today the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty (the Law Center), together with co-counsel Idaho Legal Aid Services, and with pro bono support from Latham & Watkins LLP, presented oral arguments in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in Martin v. City of Boise, a case challenging the city of Boise's ordinances that prohibit sleeping in public.
Thursday, July 13, 2017 | Read more... Advocates Plan Day of Action on July 29 to Call for Greater Federal Investments In Affordable Homes and Community DevelopmentWashington, D.C. June 12, 2017 – The Campaign for Housing and Community Development Funding (CHCDF) and other state, local, and national leaders call on advocates, elected officials, and concerned citizens to participate in the Our Homes, Our Voices Day of Action on July 29 to bring more attention to America’s affordable housing crisis. Coordinated activities will be held in cities across the nation to call for a greater investment in affordable homes and community development.
Monday, June 12, 2017 | Read More...
Law Center on Homelessness' Statement on President Trump's 2018 Budget Proposal
Washington, D.C. May 23, 2017 - President Trump's budget, which proposes drastic cuts to critical resources for low-income and homeless Americans, ignores data on what works, hurts our country's most vulnerable people, and hurts our communities. Not only does the Administration's budget show a complete disregard for solving homelessness, it would dramatically increase it.
Monday, May 23, 2017 | Read More...
Using Vacant Federal Property To Help Homeless People: New Toolkit Helps Cities And Non-Profits Apply For Free Resources Under Updated Federal Law
Washington, D.C. April 25, 2017 - Local governments and nonprofit housing and service organizations have access to free property from the federal government to permanently house homeless people under Title V of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Thousands of properties are advertised each year, but the program continues to be underutilized. The National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty (the Law Center) has released a new toolkit to help local governments and service providers take advantage of this program.
Tuesday, April 25, 2017 | Read More...
Denver Camping Ban Trial Starts Tuesday
Denver, CO April 3, 2017 – Mere days after a national study showed that courts often side with homeless people against ordinances criminalizing acts of survival, tomorrow Denver will start a trial against three poor people for violation of the Unauthorized Urban Camping Ban, a controversial city ordinance that criminalizes sleeping on the streets.
Monday, April 3, 2017 | Read More...
Report: Lawsuits Protecting Homeless People From Criminalization
Washington, D.C. March 28, 2017 – As the criminalization of homelessness continues to rise in cities across the country, a majority of the lawsuits filed to challenge criminalization laws and enforcement practices have found success in court. According to a new report released by the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty, 57% of cases challenging restrictions on camping in public, 75% of cases challenging evictions of homeless encampments and seizure of homeless persons’ property, and 100% of cases challenging panhandling laws over the last two years have resulted in favorable outcomes for homeless people and their advocates.
Tuesday, March 28, 2017 | Read More...
Trump Budget Would Devastate Already Frayed Safety Net, Increase Homelessness
Washington, D.C. March 17, 2017 - The Trump Administration’s budget makes $6.2 billion in cuts to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and eliminates the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, which has spearheaded coordinated efforts that have reduced veteran homelessness by as much as 47%. The budget also targets programs under the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, such as the Low Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program that help keep people in housing and prevent homelessness.
Friday, March 17, 2017 | Read More...
Congressional Vote Will Hurt Homeless Kids, Others
Washington, D.C. March 10, 2017 - The National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty (the Law Center) condemned the votes in the Senate and House of Representatives to use the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to repeal a U.S. Department of Education rule that clarified states’ accountability obligations under the bi-partisan Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
Friday, March 10, 2017 | Read More...
Housing Advocates Applaud Introduction of Legislation Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure
Washington, D.C. February 07, 2017 - The National Housing Law Project (NHLP), the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty (The Law Center), and the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) applaud Representative Keith Ellison (D-MN) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) for introducing legislation to permanently extend the Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act (PTFA).
Tuesday, February 07, 2017 | Read More...
The Law Center Announces A Major Bipartisan Victory to House Homeless People Using Surplus Federal Property
Washington, D.C. December 12, 2016 - Today, the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty (the Law Center) announced a major victory that will create housing for people experiencing homelessness by using surplus federal property. The Law Center worked with a bipartisan coalition in Congress on the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 (FAST Act), which reforms how the federal government disposes of its property, including property for homeless services under Title V. The FAST Act (H.R. 4465) passed the U.S. House of Representatives in May of 2016, and then passed the U.S. Senate by unanimous consent on December 10, 2016. The bill is expected to be signed into law.
Monday, December 12, 2016 | Read More...
Government Receives a "D" on Report Card in Response to Homelessness: Progress on Criminalization of Homelessness and Fair Housing Undermined By Continued Failure on Affordable Housing
Washington, D.C. December 8, 2016 - Today, the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty (the Law Center) issued Grading the U.S. Response to Homelessness, it's annual report card on the human right to housing in the U.S. The report card praises the progress of the federal government this year in addressing the criminalization of homelessness and in some areas to promote fair housing, but condemns its ongoing failure to stem the tide of homelessness by ensuring adequate, affordable housing is available to all, resulting in an overall grade of "D."
Thursday, December 8, 2016 | Read More...
Report Shows Increase in the Criminalization of Homelessness
Washington, D.C. November 15, 2016 - Today, the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty ("Law Center") releases its Housing Not Handcuffs report which shows that the criminalization of homelessness continues to increase throughout the country, despite strong evidence showing it is counter-productive and expensive. A national press conference will be held today at 11 a.m. ET to discuss the findings of the report. To register, call 202.638.2535 x112 or email llima@nlchp.org.
Tuesday, November 15, 2016 | Read More...
As New Homeless Education Law Goes Into Effect, States Have To Do More
Washington, D.C. November 02, 2016 - Today, the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty issued a new report showing that too many states were struggling to make schools accessible to students experiencing homelessness, even before heightened legal requirements went into effect earlier this month. The report, Homeless Students Count: How States and School Districts can Comply with the New McKinney-Vento Education Law Post-ESSA, based on a 50-state survey of current state laws is accompanied by several important resources to help state education departments and local school districts to comply fully with federal law, including the amendments to the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act that went into effect October 1.
Wednesday, November 02, 2016 | Read More...
Law Center Applauds HUD for Protecting Economic Abuse Survivors in Final VAWA Regs; Urges USDA & IRS to Act Next
Washington, D.C. October 24, 2016 - Today, the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty ("Law Center") applauded the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD") for protecting low-income survivors of abuse in its final regulations implementing the 2013 Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act ("VAWA"). The Law Center also urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Internal Revenue Service of the U.S. Treasury to issue implementing regulations soon.
Monday, October 24, 2016 | Read More...
Seattle Bill Protects People Experiencing Homelessness and the Public
Washington, D.C. October 14, 2016 - The National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty is gratified that the U.S. Department of Justice issued a letter late Thursday affirming that Seattle Council Bill 118794 is "without question" consistent with important constitutional principles. The Seattle Bill creates protections for unsheltered homeless people who are forced to live in public spaces, while also carving our sections of the city where encampments are not permitted. These important protections would help preserve the constitutional rights of people who experience homelessness and who are, too often, deprived of their civil, human, and constitutional rights.
Friday, October 14, 2016 | Read More...
Covington & Burling LLP Partner & 82nd Attorney General of the United States Eric H. Holder, Jr to Receive Outstanding Achievement Award
Washington, D.C. October 6, 2016 - On Thursday October 6, 2016 Eric H. Holder, Jr. will receive the Outstanding Achievement Award at the Lawyers' Executive Advisory Partners' Luncheon, hosted by the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP.
Thursday, October 6, 2016 | Read More...
Middle Income Housing Tax Credit Act: Missed Chance to Address Housing Crisis
Washington, D.C. October 5, 2016 - The National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty (the Law Center) is concerned that legislation to create a Middle Income Housing Tax Credit (MIHTC), introduced by Senator Ron Wyden on September 22, would focus scarce federal resources on middle income renters - rather than on extremely low income renters - who face the greatest need.
Wednesday, October 5, 2016 | Read More...
Washington Wizard John Wall, U.S. Senator Susan M. Collins, Advocates to Receive Awards for Work to End Homelessness; Ted Leonsis and Gwen Moore to Present Awards
Washington, D.C. September 21, 2016 - On Thursday September 22, 2016 the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty ("the Law Center") will be honoring Washington Wizard John Wall, U.S. Senator Susan M. Collins, Dechert LLP and Angela Spencer, at the 18th annual McKinney-Vento Awards Ceremony in Washington D.C. The Law Center will also celebrate 27 years of high impact work to protect the rights of individuals experiencing homelessness and to end homelessness in America. Dana Jacobson, an award winning TV sports personality and correspondent and anchor for CBS News and CBS Sports, will emcee. Ted Leonsis and Congresswoman Gwen Moore will join us as awards presenters.
Wednesday, September 21, 2016 | Read More...
Effective October 1: New Law on School Access for Homeless Children and Youth - Updated FAQ Now Available!
Washington, D.C. September 19, 2016 - New federal laws and guidance, effective October 1, expand access to early childhood education programs, improve identification, and help homeless youth better prepare for college.
Monday, September 19, 2016 | Read More...
Department of Education Announces New Guidance to Help Homeless Students Washington, D.C., July 28, 2016 - The U.S. Department of Education launched important new guidance to help schools implement the Every Student Succeeds Act's (ESSA) mandate for ensuring homeless students have equal access to education. Friday, July 28, 2016 | Read More... White House Uses Data to Stop Criminalization to Stop of Homelessness
Washington, D.C., June 30, 2016 - The White House announced Thursday the launch of the Data-Driven Justice Initiative with a bipartisan coalition of sixty-seven city, county, and state governments who have committed to using data-driven strategies to divert "super-utilizers" of the criminal justice and healthcare systems, including chronically-homeless individuals with mental illness, out of the criminal-justice system and into supportive housing and other appropriate measures.
Thursday, June 30, 2016 | Read More...
Indianapolis Protects Eviction of Homeless Persons Without Alternatives
INDIANAPOLIS, IN., March 2, 2016 - While Cities from San Francisco to Chicago have come under recent scrunity for evicting homeless encampments without providing adequate alternatives for homeless persons, Indianapolis, Indiana last week signed into law a new ordinance requiring transitional or permanent housing be provided to homeless camp residents before evictions can take place, consistent with key guidance provided by the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) last summer.
Wednesday, March 2, 2016 | Read More...
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan. 27, 2016 - The Founder of the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty will be the recipient of the 2016 Katharine and George Alexander Law Prize from Santa Clara University School of Law. The award honors top legal advocates who have used their careers to help alleviate injustice and inequity.
Wednesday, January 27, 2016 | Read More...
Washington, D.C. - On December 10, 2015 the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty issued its annual report card on the human right to housing in the U.S., praising the progress if the federal government in addressing the criminalization of homelessness, but condemning its ongoing failure to stem the tide of homelessness by ensuring adequate, affordable housing in available to all.
Thursday, December 10, 2015 | Read More...
DOJ to Law Enforcement: Don't Criminalize Homelessness
Washington, D.C. - On December 9, 2015 the Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, published a newsletter encouraging law enforcement to promote alternatives to the criminalization of homelessness. The newsletter, which reaches more then 6,500 subscribers across the country, included articles produced in coordination with the Departments of Housing and Urban Development, Health & Human Services, U.S Interagency Council on Homelessness, and the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty.
Wednesday, December 9, 2015 | Read More...
New Documentary Shines Light on the Criminalization of Those Without a Home
Washington, D.C. - A new must-see documentary film, Under the Bridge: The Criminalization of Homelessness, shines a spotlight on the growing problem of visible homelessness and one city's attempt to hide the people it should be helping.
Tuesday, December 1, 2015 | Read More...
Criminalization of Homelessness Still on Trial In Boise
Boise, ID - On October 28, 2015, the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty and Idaho Legal Aid Services, with the Pro Bono representation of Latham & Watkins LLC, filed a Notice of Appeal with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals appeal the dismissal, on jurisdictional grounds, of the case challenging the City of Boise's policies that criminalize people experiencing homelessness for sleeping outside. The Court's decision did not consider the merits of the Plaintiff's constitutional claims. Plaintiffs prevailed in a prior appeal after the Court dismissed the case on other jurisdictional grounds.
Wednesday, November 4, 2015 | Read More...
Sports Illustrated, Senator Sherrod Brown, Advocates to Receive Awards for Work on Homelessness
On Tuesday October 27th, 2015 the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty (“The Law Center”) will be honoring Sports Illustrated, Senator Sherrod Brown, Latham & Watkins LLP, and Roberto “Bobby” Limon, at the 17th Annual McKinney-Vento Awards in Washington D.C. The Law Center will be honoring these exceptional people and organizations, as well as celebrating 26 years of high impact work to protect the rights of people experiencing homelessness and to end homelessness in America.
Wednesday, October 21, 2015 | Read More...
The Cost of Criminalizing Homelessness Just Went Up By 1.9 Billion
WASHINGTON, DC - September 18, 2015, the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) added to the growing federal pressure against criminalization of homelessness by incentivizing communities to take steps to end criminalization in its $1.9 billion grant program for federal homelessness funding.
October 1st, 2015 | Read More...
Filling in the Gaps: More Legal Services Needed to Support Children Experiencing HomelessnessThe National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty is releasing its latest resource, No Barriers: A Legal Advocate’s Guide to Ensuring Compliance with the Education Program of the McKinney-Vento Act. The Law Center is publishing this resource because too many young people experiencing homelessness are currently denied education rights guaranteed to them by federal law. The Law Center offers this manual as a tool for legal advocates and attorneys to assist children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness. Thursday, September 10, 2015 | Read More... Federal Government Recommends Housing, Not Sweeps for Homeless Encampment Residents
Less than a week after the Department of Justice argued that criminalization of homelessness is unconstitutional, filing a brief in a case where the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty (Law Center) represents homeless individuals ticketed for camping, the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) took a further step today by releasing official guidance for communities coping with the growth of homeless encampments.
Thursday, August 12, 2015 | Read More...
Justice Department Condemns Local Criminalization of Homelessness, Files Brief in Case Against Boise, Idaho On August 6, 2015, the Department of Justice put enforcement power behind longstanding federal policy against criminalization of homelessness by filing a statement of interest brief in a case opposing a Boise, ID anti-camping ordinance brought by the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty (NLCHP) and Idaho Legal Aid Services, with the pro bono support of Latham & Watkins LLP.
Thursday, August 6, 2015 | Read More...
Advocate for Homeless to Testify at Congressional Hearing on Federal Property Reform
On Tuesday, June 16, 2015, Maria Foscarinis, Executive Director of the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty, testified before a subcommittee of U.S. House of Representatives about a federal program that requires agencies to make their unused real property available at no cost to help people experiencing homelessness.
Tuesday, June 16, 2015 | Read More...
On Monday, March 2nd, 2015, Indianapolis, Indiana became the first city in the nation to pass a full scale homeless bill of rights to protect homeless people from common forms of discrimination…Despite this pioneering effort by the City-County Council, some fear that Mayor Greg Ballard may veto the bill. Homeless advocates, however, urge the Mayor to let the legislation stand, citing its many long-term benefits.
The National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty (Law Center) asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review last fall's 7th Circuit Court of Appeals decision in Frank v. Walker, our challenge to the Wisconsin voter ID statute. In our petition to the Court, the Law Center argued that the appeals court decision mischaracterized facts found at trial, and applied a flawed legal standard in analyzing both equal protection and Voting Rights Act claims.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015 | Read More...
The National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) is partnering with the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty (Law Center) to provide members of the media, congressional staff, and activists an opportunity to meet Arnold Abbott and shed light on the national issue of criminalization of people who are homeless and those who are helping them. Arnold Abbott, the internationally renowned activist for homeless people, will be the event’s main speaker. Mr. Abbott has received significant media attention in the past two months for openly refusing to abide Fort Lauderdale, FL’s new law that criminalizes the act of sharing food with homeless and needy persons.
Wednesday, December 16, 2014 | Read More...
Following the third examination of criminalization of homelessness by a U.N. human rights monitoring body this year, the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty today issues its annual report card on the human right to housing, giving the U.S. failing grades in a number of areas. The Law Center is also publishing a new guide to effective human rights advocacy, discussing the steps it has taken to bring international attention to criminalization and turn it into domestic policy.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014 | Read More...
December 3, 2014, the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty (the “Law Center”) is releasing its latest resource, No Safe Place: Advocacy Manual. It is a companion piece to our previous report, No Safe Place: The Criminalization of Homelessness in U.S. Cities, which details the disturbing rise in laws making it illegal to be homeless in U.S. cities. This new manual is a resource for legal and policy advocates seeking to challenge laws that criminalize homelessness as well as community officials searching for ways to address homelessness with a model for police protocol.
Wednesday, December 3, 2014 | Read More...
On Thursday night, October 9, 2014, The U.S. Supreme Court issued a 6-3 ruling preventing Wisconsin's voter ID law from going into effect for the November election. While the law had been found unconstitutional by a federal judge in April, this order overturned several recent decisions by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit, which had allowed the law to be implemented immediately this fall.
Friday, October 10, 2014 | Read More...
On September 30, 2014 the Law Center will be hosting the 16th Annual McKinney-Vento Awards. This night commemorates the historic legislation that was responsible for establishing the rights of people experiencing homelessness. Since that day 25 years ago, the Law Center has worked tirelessly to maintain and uphold the spirit of the McKinney-Vento Act by addressing the root causes of homelessness so those affected will receive the support, services, and dignity they deserve.
Monday, September 29, 2014 | Read More...
Recently, the Law Center submitted a report to the U.N. Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It delineated the many ways that racial discrimination manifests in the social, political, and economic landscape of the United States, disproportionately affecting people of racial and ethnic minorities. After a thorough review, the Committee called on the U.S. to take the steps necessary to address homelessness.
Tuesday, September 2, 2014 | Read More...
A new report from the Law Center, No Safe Place: The Criminalization of Homelessness in U.S. Cities, details a startling rise in laws criminalizing homelessness across America - more and more U.S. cities are criminally punishing homeless people for engaging in necessary, life-sustaining activity in public places, even when they have no other options.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014 | Read More...
Yesterday, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit struck down a Los Angeles law preventing people from sleeping in their cars as a form of basic emergency shelter, when the City has offered them no other housing option. The ruling sends a clear message - that cities around the country cannot end homelessness by simply making it illegal.
Friday, June 20, 2014 | Read More...
The Law Center, along with the ACLU and pro bono counsel from Dechert LLP, won a landmark voter ID case in Wisconsin. U.S. District Court Judge Lynn Adelman struck the law down, ruling that the Constitution and the Voting Rights Act do not permit the State to disenfranchise the more than 300,000 eligible voters, most low income and many homeless, who do not have the photo ID required under the law.
Homeless bills of rights, a new and powerful legislative tool for protecting the rights of homeless Americans, are gaining in popularity across the nation, according to a new report from the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty (“Law Center”). The report, From Wrongs to Rights: The Case for Homeless Bills of Rights Legislation, describes the need for homeless bills of rights and offers insight into the distinct legislative models that have emerged.
Tuesday, April 15, 2014 | Read More...
The U.N. Human Rights Committee in Geneva today condemned the criminalization of homelessness in the United States as "cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment" that violates international human rights treaty obligations, and called upon the U.S. government to take corrective action.
Thursday, March 27, 2014 | Read More...
On Thursday, March 13, the U.N. Human Rights Committee reviewed U.S. compliance with a major human rights treaty, raising concerns of cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment for the practice of criminalizing homeless people for performing necessary life functions such as sleeping and eating in public when they have no private alternatives.
Friday, March 14, 2014 | Read More...
Homeless encampments have been documented in almost every state across the country, with many more going unreported, according to a new report released today from the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty and the Allard K. Lowenstein International Human Rights Clinic at Yale Law School.
The Boise City Council will consider a repeal of sections of their new Anti-Solicitation Ordinance (ORD-34-13) at today's regular council meeting at 6pm. This after the ACLU of Idaho, the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty (NLCHP) and two Boise residents won a court preliminary injunction to halt the ordinance from taking effect.
The Law Center joined ACLU of Idaho in the lawsuit against the City of Boise. Today, U.S. District Federal Court Judge Edward J. Lodge ruled in favor of the plaintiffs in ACLU of Idaho v. City of Boise. In doing so, the Court enjoined the City of Boise from enforcing its new Anti-Solicitation Ordinance (ORD-34-13) scheduled to take effect today, January 2, 2014.
The National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty released its 2013 Human Right to Housing Report Card today, marked globally as human rights day, reviewing U.S. compliance with the human right to housing in the context of American homelessness over the past year. The report card found that while there were areas of improvement, much more needs to be done.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013 | Read More... New HUD Homelessness Data Offer Incomplete Picture
Thursday, November 21, 2013 | Read More... Veterans Day Commemorations Are Over; Homeless Veterans Are Still on the Streets
Today, the Law Center released its report on Title V of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. This is the third report by the Law Center on the Title V program, which allows vacant federal property to be used, for free, by eligible groups who provide housing or services to homeless persons. Protecting and expanding the ability of homeless service providers to access unused federal property is a critical part of the effort to end and prevent homelessness.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013 | Read More...
ACLU and NLCHP File Lawsuit Challenging Boise’s New Anti-Solicitation Ordinance
The American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho (ACLU) and the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty (NLCHP) filed a legal challenge to Boise’s new Anti-Solicitation Ordinance (ORD-34-13) approved by the City Council on Tuesday, September 17, 2013. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Federal Court for the District of Idaho.
Photo ID Requirement Would Disenfranchise Homeless and Low Income People
A trial will begin in a lawsuit filed by NLCHP, Dechert LLP, and other national and state partners, in a federal district court in Milwaukee challenging the State of Wisconsin's voter ID law. Plaintiffs in the case argue that allowing only certain types of photo ID imposes a severe burden on the right to vote in violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. Jeremy Rosen, Policy Director at the Law Center, is in Milwaukee this week for the trial.
Monday, November 4, 2013 | Read More...
Senator, Congresswoman, Advocates to Receive Awards for Work on Homelessness
NLCHP will honor Senator Al Franken (D-MN), Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D -WI), Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, and Judy Curtis for their work to end homelessness, at the Annual McKinney-Vento Awards in Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Eddie Johnson (D-TX) and ABC7/WJLA-TV News reporter and Washington Business Report anchor Rebecca Cooper will hand out awards and emcee the event.
Civil Rights Groups Challenge Greensboro’s Unconstitutional Panhandling OrdinanceThree people who have experienced homelessness and a national advocacy group today filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block a Greensboro ordinance that criminalizes “aggressive” panhandling and many activities protected by the First Amendment. The plaintiffs are being represented by the American Civil Liberties (ACLU) of North Carolina, Legal Aid of North Carolina and the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty. The groups say that Greensboro’s ordinance violates the free speech, equal protection, and due process rights of people who ask for contributions in public places in the city. Wednesday August 8, 2018 Read More... |
