Trump is gearing up for a complete overhaul of America’s approach to homelessness. The president aims to tackle record-high homelessness levels with a strategy that moves away from the “Housing First” policy toward mandatory treatment in designated encampments.
At a glance:
• President Trump plans to replace “Housing First” policies with mandatory treatment programs for homeless individuals
• The new approach would work with states to ban urban camping and relocate homeless people to designated treatment facilities
• Trump’s plan could redirect federal funding from housing programs to addiction and mental health services
• Studies show the main driver of homelessness is lack of affordable housing, though conservatives often cite drug use and mental illness as key factors
• Over 100 cities have already passed camping bans following a recent Supreme Court ruling allowing punishment for sleeping outside
Trump’s Bold New Approach to Homelessness
President Donald Trump is preparing to implement a dramatic shift in how America handles its growing homelessness crisis. The plan aims to address record-high levels of homelessness by working with states to ban urban camping and redirect people into mandatory treatment programs.
The new strategy is a departure from the “Housing First” approach championed by liberals, which prioritizes the provision of stable housing without requiring sobriety or treatment. Trump’s vision would instead focus on addressing what many conservatives view as the root causes: drug addiction and mental health issues.
Robert Marbut, who previously served as Executive Director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness under Trump, strongly supports this treatment-focused approach.
State-Level Actions Already Underway
Several states have already begun implementing policies aligned with Trump’s vision. Florida and Kentucky have criminalized street camping, with Devon Kurtz, a policy expert, noting: “We’re expecting a wave of camping bans this coming legislative session.”
The Supreme Court’s recent decision allowing punishment for sleeping outside has prompted more than 100 cities to pass camping bans. These measures typically involve offering violators a choice: accept treatment and rehabilitation services or face arrest.
Critics and Supporters Clash Over Approach
The shift in policy has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats and homeless advocates. Democratic U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters warned, “Make no mistake that Trump’s reckless attacks across the federal government will supercharge the housing and homelessness crisis in communities across the country.”
Conservative supporters argue, however, that the “Housing First” approach has failed despite years of implementation and increasing funding. They point to rising homelessness rates as evidence that simply providing housing without addressing underlying issues like addiction and mental illness is entirely ineffective and wastes taxpayer funds.
