19 Strategies for Communities to Address Encampments Humanely and Effectively

This guidance is intended to help public leaders and community partners in cities, counties, states, and federal agencies develop and implement humane and effective responses to encampments on public land using All In: The Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness.

Based on what is working well in communities across the country, this guidance serves as an update and expansion of the 7 Principles for Addressing Encampments that USICH published in 2022. This new guidance was developed with input from people who have experienced homelessness, national partners, and experts from multiple federal agencies. 

For each of the 19 strategies cited, this guidance provides examples of actions, followed by a chart with select federal funding opportunities and a list of select technical assistance resources for implementing the strategies.

Click to read the full guidance, the one-page summary, and the related blog by USICH Director Olivet.

Addressing encampments effectively and humanely is not easy, but there are alternatives to criminalization. For help implementing the 19 strategies in your community, contact your USICH Senior Regional Advisor.