Rep. Ford Calls for Increased Funding for Homeless Housing Services Amid Threats from Trump Administration

CHICAGO – State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, is expressing grave concern over the Trump Administration’s recent actions that could lead to the criminalization of homeless individuals and those struggling with substance use disorders.

“As we await the possibility of a destabilizing deployment of the National Guard here at home, it’s important to look at what has already happened in Washington and how the unhoused community has been targeted,” Ford said. “Coupled with Trump’s recent executive order on homelessness, it’s clear that this administration is willing to use vulnerable populations as political pawns instead of treating these individuals with the dignity and care they deserve.”

Homelessness advocates condemned the president’s July executive order on homelessness, noting that it calls for forced institutionalism, violates privacy protections and damages proven strategies to help individuals access baseline housing. When Trump directed the National Guard into Washington last month, he further emphasized the removal of the city’s homeless population. And now the administration is threatening action in Chicago.

“Creating more pain isn’t the answer,” Ford said. “We need a compassionate, human-centered approach that prioritizes funding for affordable housing and supportive services, ensuring that individuals in need receive the help they deserve rather than facing punitive measures.”

Ford’s concerns are echoed by Mark G. Mulroe, President of A Safe Haven Foundation.

“This is a very troubling time for all of us, especially in light of the threat by the federal executive branch deploying troops in our streets,” Mulroe said. “There is widespread agreement on the need to reduce crime and violence, implement a more reliable and just immigration system, and address the crisis of homelessness and the lack of affordable housing. These are fundamental issues where all individuals can find common ground. As citizens, we rely on our federal, state and local governments to work in cooperation to achieve these goals.

“Yet right now, it feels as though our federal system is focused solely on short-term impacts, relying on demonstrations of force rather than working with communities on sustainable, long-term solutions. If there were a genuine effort to address these challenges, the federal government would collaborate with local authorities to balance immediate actions with solutions that produce lasting positive outcomes.

“This short-term approach comes on the heels of funding cuts to programs that stabilize our communities, including local support from federal law enforcement (ATF, FBI, DEA), violence prevention initiatives, mental health treatment, Medicaid, vocational training and other critical support systems. Federal resources would be far better allocated to improving coordination and efficiency between federal and local programs—not dismantling them.

“We were told that the federal actions being implemented were to go after the ‘bad actors and violent criminals.’ Instead, federal actions appear to be targeting immigrants who are striving to comply with the law, deploying National Guard units not trained for public safety or law enforcement, and further marginalizing individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty and mental health challenges. This approach criminalizes those already in crisis, rather than helping them find stability.

“At A Safe Haven Foundation, we will continue to advocate for individuals whose voices are not being heard. We will provide housing, treatment, vocational training, and other essential services for those in crisis. It is our hope that leaders at every level of government will partner with us to support programs that produce meaningful, long-term change. We look forward to working with leaders like Rep. Ford and other legislators to take action on these urgent issues and create solutions that have a lasting impact.”

For more information, please contact RepFord@LaShawnFord.com.