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The Economic Consequences of Homelessness in The US

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Additionally, the crim<strong>in</strong>alization <strong>of</strong> homelessness is aimed at the visual ramifications <strong>of</strong><br />

homelessness, not the root causes. Not only does it fail to address the underly<strong>in</strong>g<br />

causes, but it further underm<strong>in</strong>es the challenges <strong>of</strong> homelessness.<br />

TAKING ACTION<br />

What Can Be Done?<br />

<strong>The</strong> trend <strong>of</strong> crim<strong>in</strong>aliz<strong>in</strong>g homelessness cont<strong>in</strong>ues to grow. Among the 188 cities<br />

reviewed <strong>in</strong> NCH’s report, the follow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>creases were identified <strong>in</strong> crim<strong>in</strong>alization<br />

measures:<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

7% <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> prohibitions on begg<strong>in</strong>g or panhandl<strong>in</strong>g<br />

7% <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> prohibitions on camp<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> particular public places<br />

10% <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> prohibitions on loiter<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> particular public places<br />

By focus<strong>in</strong>g on revers<strong>in</strong>g the crim<strong>in</strong>alization <strong>of</strong> homelessness, the additional obstacles<br />

homeless people face can be removed from the already difficult task <strong>of</strong> help<strong>in</strong>g resolve<br />

homelessness.<br />

Many statewide Homeless Bill <strong>of</strong> Rights have passed or are be<strong>in</strong>g considered that<br />

provide alternatives to crim<strong>in</strong>alization and protection <strong>of</strong> the civil rights <strong>of</strong> people<br />

experienc<strong>in</strong>g homelessness.<br />

Page 159 <strong>of</strong> 289

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