KFF Health News October 23, 2024
As states turn to the health-care system to help address homelessness, experiments with housing and other social services aimed at getting people healthier and off the streets are running up against new, aggressive crackdowns — with some cities ratcheting up enforcement of existing anticamping laws and others passing new restrictions.
From Florida to California, elected officials and law enforcement agencies have launched widespread operations targeting homeless people following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in June that makes it easier for states, cities and counties to fine and arrest those living outside — even if there is no shelter or housing available.
“These tactics cause chaos, not order. They are not a solution to homelessness, and in fact, they will make...