"The alternatives to criminalization policies identified in this report have been effective in reducing and preventing homelessness in several cities around the country. "

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Yeah, I know, I know, I haven't posted here in so long most readers have moved on to other things, and I don't blame em.  But, I'm making a committed effort to begin posting on a regular basis in ye ol SSS, and with any luck, may even recapture those two or three regular readers of my tripe....

We lead off this incredible effort with a handy brief from the USICH: "Searching For Solutions: Constructive Alternatives to the Criminalization of Homelessness"

The federal government has an important responsibility to provide leadership, share best practices, and provide technical support to localities in their efforts to find constructive ways of addressing the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness. Specifically, the 2009 HEARTH Act charged the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) with “develop[ing] alternatives to laws and policies that prohibit sleeping, eating, sitting, resting, or lying in public spaces when there are no suitable alternatives, result in the destruction of property belonging to people experiencing homelessness without due process, or are selectively enforced against people experiencing homelessness.” One of the strategies of Opening Doors: Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness is to reduce criminalization of homelessness by defining constructive approaches to address street homelessness and considering incentives to urge cities to adopt these practices.
The alternatives to criminalization policies identified in this report have been effective in reducing and preventing homelessness in several cities around the country. These solutions can be relatively inexpensive to implement, result in overall cost-savings, and have a lasting positive impact on the quality of life for individuals experiencing homelessness and the larger community.