NJ Housing Advocates Respond to Trump Executive Order on Homelessness

7/25/2025

Yesterday, President Trump signed an executive order that would make it easier to forcibly remove people experiencing homelessness from public spaces and push them into involuntary treatment or detention. On the executive order, Housing and Community Development Network of NJ President and Chief Executive Officer Staci Berger issued the following statement:

“This deeply misguided order does nothing to address the root causes of homelessness: skyrocketing housing costs, stagnant wages, and a frayed social safety net but instead leans into fear, coercion, and cruelty. Let’s be clear: this is not a plan to solve homelessness. It’s a campaign tactic designed to criminalize poverty and scapegoat people who are vulnerable.

“Even more troubling, the executive order explicitly attacks the Housing First approach which is a proven, evidence-based model that prioritizes getting people into safe, stable housing before addressing other needs like healthcare or substance use. Decades of research and real-world results show that Housing First works. Turning away from it is not just wrong, it’s reckless.

“Rather than invest in what actually works like affordable homes, voluntary mental health care, and accessible support services, this administration is doubling down on discredited, dangerous ideas. Rounding people up and forcing them into institutions or camps is not only inhumane, it’s ineffective and deeply un-American.

“Everyone needs a safe place to live because housing is a human right. That’s the foundation for being healthy, stable, and secure. Mental health conditions don’t cause homelessness; homelessness makes mental health worse. No one can heal while living on the street or in constant fear of arrest.

“Communities across the country are already struggling with housing costs, medical debt, and systemic neglect, we can’t make a bad situation worse. We call on elected leaders at every level to reject this cruel approach and instead champion real solutions: expanding access to affordable homes, voluntary healthcare and support, and policies that treat every person with dignity.”

About the Housing and Community Development Network of NJ
The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey is the statewide association of more than 270 community development corporations, individuals and other organizations that support the creation of affordable homes, economic opportunities, and strong communities. For more information on the Network, visit www.hcdnnj.org.