No one should be punished for being unhoused.

As data sharing between sectors becomes more widespread, it is important for homelessness response systems and providers to consider the ramifications of providing data to law enforcement. This brief provides an overview of existing privacy laws that protect people’s personal information, covers the risks of sharing homelessness data with law enforcement, and offers immediate steps that Continuums of Care (CoCs) and service providers can take to strengthen protections for participants.

Communities across the country are resisting the criminalization of homelessness. Evidence shows that criminalization is costly and counterproductive. This memo provides some background and steps communities can take to avoid these harmful policies.

This brief provides an overview of the history of civil commitments and the risks that they pose and offers immediate steps to advocate for individualized and voluntary care for individuals experiencing severe mental illness.

People returning home to rural areas from incarceration face unique challenges. Transportation issues, limited services options, stigma, and a lack of affordable housing can make it challenging for those reentering the community to find a safe and stable place to live. This tool outlines strategies that rural communities can undertake to meaningfully address homelessness for individuals involved with the criminal justice system.

An interview with Nicole Green, Forensic Social Worker, Office of the Public Defender, and Chair of the Contra Costa Community Advisory Board (CAB).

These fact sheets show the impact of local laws that criminalize people living outside.