President Trump has deployed federal law enforcement and the National Guard to D.C. with explicit threats to arrest, involuntary commit and even move people experiencing homelessness out of the city they live in.
Let us be clear: homelessness is not a crime.
People experiencing homelessness have the same constitutional rights as every other D.C. resident – protection from unlawful search and seizure, due process, the right to travel, and the right to choose where they live. The solution to homelessness has always been housing. Arrests and displacement make homelessness worse, not better, and cost far more than the humane solution of providing housing. Our unhoused neighbors deserve dignity, respect, and freedom, just like we all do.
How We’re Fighting Back
Providing “Know Your Rights” information and tangible support to people on the street and at encampments.
Witnessing and recording incidents of law enforcement misconduct or rights violations.
Providing legal representation and developing legal strategies for law enforcement interactions with unhoused residents.
Advocating to expand and increase accessibility of shelter and housing instead of criminalizing homelessness.
Grounding communication in facts about homelessness and homeless people, rather than myths and stereotypes.
Resources
If You Are Experiencing Homelessness in D.C.
In the News
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LIVE: Encampment clearings begin after Trump orders federal takeover of MPD
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DC homeless camps cleared out in Trump takeover as Bondi replaces police commissioner with DEA chief
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‘Chaos, fear and confusion’: Trump-backed crackdown hits DC’s homeless population
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Trump makes false claims about crime in Washington DC as homeless camps are cleared
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Federal Raids Target D.C. Homeless Camps
Media Inquiries
Reporters should email press@legalclinic.org with inquiries.
Press Releases and Statements
Get Involved
Become a Legal Monitor
Join our Legal Monitor Program to be trained to witness, document, and film law enforcement interactions with people experiencing homelessness. You do not have to be a lawyer to volunteer.
Provide Legal Representation
If you are a lawyer and would like to represent unhoused clients in these or other cases, please fill out an application. If you are a current volunteer, and you would like to take cases related to police interactions, please update your information here.
Witness Injustice
If you happen to witness a concerning law enforcement interaction with an unhoused person, please send information (date, time, location, description of what happened, description of police, and any photographs or videos) to witness.unhoused@legalclinic.org. For all other law enforcement encounters, you can follow instructions here: Film the Police DC.
Advocate
Tell elected leaders they must stand up for ALL D.C. residents. People who are homeless are particularly vulnerable to police harassment and rights violations.
If you live outside of D.C., we need you to tell your voting representatives to stand up for D.C. Home Rule and the rights of us all!
Give a Gift
Consider making a donation to the Legal Clinic to support our work. Your gift will serve the needs of D.C. residents being displaced.
Amplify our voice and reach
Follow us on social media and share our updates with your network.
Our Supporters
Thank you to the following foundations for your urgent support to meet this
unprecedented moment. It is with your generosity that we can respond urgently to the displacement and harassment of D.C.’s unhoused residents:
DC Bar Foundation
Greater Washington Community Foundation
Meyer Foundation
Public Welfare Foundation
Diane and Norman Bernstein Foundation