Housing advocates disrupt Cicero Institute’s anti-homeless conference
(WASHINGTON D.C. – June 11th, 2026)
Last week, we turned up the heat on the Cicero Institute! Together, we confronted the billionaire-backed think tank at the center of the federal efforts to defund affordable housing and the nationwide increase in laws that make it a crime to be homeless.
75+ local and national housing advocates gathered in D.C. to disrupt the Cicero Institute’s conference
As the Cicero Institute hosted its first ever conference on homelessness, advocates from across the country gathered outside to tell the truth: we need housing, not handcuffs. We blocked the doors and made our voices heard, sharing the harm Cicero has caused to people experiencing homelessness in so many communities and calling for housing and supports instead of jails, forced treatment facilities, and detention camps.
New research exposed Cicero Institute’s ties to private prisons
We also released groundbreaking research revealing the connections between Cicero Institute leaders and industries set to profit from the policies Cicero lobbyists push. These industries include private prisons, surveillance companies, and even defense contractors. We’ve always learned about who is hurt by Cicero laws – our neighbors who have no choice but to live outside – but now we finally know who stands to benefit.
This fight is far from over. We will continue our efforts to expose this right-wing, billionaire-backed network for what it is and, more importantly, to ensure that everyone has a safe place to call home and the support they want and need to thrive. Please join us in that fight by joining the Housing Not Handcuffs campaign today.
