In the year since President Trump signed an executive order aimed at addressing homelessness, federal agencies have given states the authority to expand civil commitment for individuals with mental illness or substance abuse issues. Pending a court challenge, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) may overhaul funding for homelessness programs to align with the order.
The president's order argues that past policies failed to address the root causes of homelessness and posed a public safety risk. Critics, however, warn that the policy could strain treatment centers, criminalize homeless individuals, and deviate from the Housing First model, which provides housing without preconditions like sobriety or treatment compliance.
Civil Commitment Prioritized
The order directs the Justice and Health and Human Services Departments to prioritize funding for states that implement involuntary psychiatric treatment for homeless individuals deemed a danger to others or unable to care for themselves. The policy calls for reversing consent decrees that might hinder these commitments and supports bans on urban camping, squatting, and open drug use.
Data on Homelessness
According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, 30% of chronically homeless individuals have serious mental illness, while two-thirds have substance use disorders or other chronic health conditions.
Opposing Views
Advocates for the Housing First approach argue that the new policy criminalizes homelessness and diverts resources from proven strategies. Supporters of the executive order contend that it restores public order by providing structured treatment in institutional settings.