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The Economic Consequences of Homelessness in The US

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else to go, then enforcement <strong>of</strong> the anti-camp<strong>in</strong>g ord<strong>in</strong>ance aga<strong>in</strong>st that person<br />

crim<strong>in</strong>alizes her for be<strong>in</strong>g homeless.”<br />

Prosecutors can also champion homeless courts and diversion programs, which allow<br />

people to avoid crim<strong>in</strong>al charges after tak<strong>in</strong>g life-skills classes or sign<strong>in</strong>g up for social<br />

services. In Seattle and Santa Fe, <strong>of</strong>ficials have implemented a Law Enforcement<br />

Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program that places people <strong>in</strong> treatment programs prearrest.<br />

Prosecutors can agree to dismiss outstand<strong>in</strong>g warrants for unpaid f<strong>in</strong>es and quality-<strong>of</strong>life<br />

<strong>of</strong>fenses. In Los Angeles, <strong>in</strong> 2015, the city attorney agreed to do just that if people<br />

accepted social services, job tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, and drug and alcohol treatment. His <strong>of</strong>fice put<br />

together cl<strong>in</strong>ics to help the homeless population participate.<br />

Page 173 <strong>of</strong> 289

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