Housing Not Handcuffs is a national campaign to end the criminalization of homelessness and advocate for housing as a human right, created by the National Homelessness Law Center and National Coalition for the Homeless.
We will never arrest our way out of homelessness. Be a part of the movement to solve homelessness with housing, not handcuffs.
Who We Are
Housing Not Handcuffs connects advocates, activists, attorneys, organizations, and on-the-ground change makers through the understanding that criminalizing homelessness is ineffective, inhumane, and wastes taxpayer dollars. We believe every person is entitled to adequate housing as an inalienable human right, and that we will never arrest our way out of homelessness.
What We Want
In order to ensure every person has the housing and support needed to thrive, we recognize that the criminalization of homelessness must end immediately. All people experiencing homelessness should instead have access to affordable housing, education, health care, employment, income, and other opportunities and services that allow all to live with dignity.
How You Can Help
Whether you’re an experienced advocate, a person experiencing or who has experienced homelessness, a concerned neighbor, a small business owner, a government official, or anyone in between, you can make a difference to this. You can join or endorse this campaign, encourage local leaders to implement our proposed policy solutions, organize your community, or donate to support this work.