Columbus City Council is considering criminalizing homelessness. We need citizens to reach out to them and express our concerns

What Communities need to know about criminalizing homelessness

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Here’s a sample letter. Please take a moment to customize and express things in your voice.

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Dear [Elected Official’s Name],

This letter urges support for policies that decriminalize homelessness and prioritize humane and effective solutions. Criminalizing homelessness, including ticketing, arrests, and fines for activities like sleeping in public, does not address the root causes and can worsen the challenges faced by those experiencing it.

Research shows that criminalization does not reduce homelessness. It creates barriers for individuals seeking to rebuild their lives, such as:

• Difficulty securing employment: Arrest records and fines can hinder employment, trapping individuals in poverty and homelessness.
• Reduced access to services: Criminalization can disrupt access to support networks, shelter, healthcare, and essential resources, making it harder to exit homelessness.
• Negative impacts on health: Constant threats from law enforcement and the trauma of living on the streets can have detrimental effects on physical and mental health. Displacement can disrupt healthcare access, worsening chronic illnesses and other health conditions.
• Increased financial strain: Fines and fees burden individuals already struggling to afford basic necessities.

Decriminalizing homelessness is a matter of human rights and is a more effective and fiscally responsible approach. Communities that prioritize housing and supportive services over criminalization often see better outcomes in reducing homelessness and improving public safety.

Support policies that invest in affordable housing, mental health services, substance use treatment, and other community-based solutions. Focusing on collaborative efforts will lead to more positive and lasting change for individuals experiencing homelessness and for the community as a whole.

Thank you for your time and attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

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