Although many people experiencing homelessness have literally no choice but to live outside and in public places, laws and enforcement practices punishing the presence of visibly homeless people in public space continue to grow. Homeless people, like all people, must engage in activities such as sleeping or sitting down to survive. Yet, in communities across the nation, these harmless, unavoidable behaviors are punished as crimes or civil infractions.

Criminalization of homelessness is on the rise… and funding for housing and services is threatened as never before. As advocates, we need to build and strengthen in order to meet increasing challenges at the local, state, and federal levels. Building on the work of their 2015 and 2016 forums, IPS’s Criminalization of Race and Poverty project is pleased to join with the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty for this year’s gathering that will focus on increasing the reach of the newly-launched Housing Not Handcuffs national campaign, which fights against the criminalization of homelessness—and for adequate housing instead.

There will be lots of exciting speakers lined up, including Catherine Lhamon, Chair of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, Professor Peter Edelman of Georgetown University Law Center, and Pam Fessler of NPR News.

Breakfast is included both days and lunch will be provided on Tuesday, June 6. There will also be a reception the evening of Tuesday, June 6.

How much: $100 donation/registration suggested to help support scholarships for current/formerly homeless advocates, waivers available.

Get the full agenda and register today!