A new executive order signed on July 24, 2025, could have far-reaching effects—not only for those experiencing homelessness, but for millions of low income Americans. While it primarily targets unsheltered individuals, the policies it introduces may significantly change how people access housing assistance, mental health services, and other critical supports.
In this article, we break down what the order does, who may be affected, and the practical steps you can take to protect yourself and your family.
What the Executive Order Changes
The order, titled “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets,” outlines a federal shift in how homelessness is addressed. Rather than increasing access to housing and supportive care, this policy prioritizes enforcement, forced treatment, and the dismantling of key safety-net programs.
Here’s what the order includes:
- Ends support for Housing First programs. These programs focus on providing stable housing before requiring sobriety or treatment. They’ve been proven effective—but this order discontinues federal support.
- Expands civil commitment. States and cities are now encouraged to place unhoused individuals into long-term treatment facilities—even without their consent—if they’re deemed unable to care for themselves.
- Links funding to stricter local enforcement. Cities that criminalize homelessness through bans on camping, loitering, or public drug use will be prioritized for federal law enforcement grants.
- Limits shelter access. Federally funded shelters may now restrict access to women and children only. Programs also face new restrictions on housing individuals with certain criminal histories.
- Ends support for harm reduction services. Needle exchanges, safe consumption sites, and other public health programs aimed at reducing overdose and disease will lose federal support.
- Requires health data sharing. HUD is directed to collect mental health and addiction data from program participants and may share that information with law enforcement to guide treatment decisions.
Who Could Be Affected
While the order’s stated focus is on people who are unsheltered, its vague language and broad definitions leave room for interpretation—and concern.
You may be affected if you:
- Are currently unhoused or living in a car, RV, tent, or other non-permanent structure.
- Have a mental health condition or substance use disorder, particularly if untreated.
- Receive HUD assistance, such as Section 8 or public housing.
- Were arrested while homeless or lack a fixed address.
- Are in a shelter or transitional housing program that now imposes new treatment or participation requirements.
The order allows federal agencies to define who is “unable to care for themselves,” and many states already consider lack of housing a qualifying factor. This means civil commitment could apply to people based solely on their financial status or living situation.
Why Advocates Are Raising Alarms
Civil rights organizations and homelessness advocates have criticized the executive order as punitive and ineffective. Groups like the ACLU and the National Homelessness Law Center warn that forced treatment, institutionalization, and funding cuts will increase—not reduce—homelessness.
There is no provision in the order to expand affordable housing, increase rental support, or address the root causes of homelessness. Instead, it focuses on removing visible homelessness from public spaces through enforcement and institutional referral.
These changes also raise serious privacy concerns. By requiring HUD to collect and potentially share personal health data, the order could violate protections under federal health privacy laws.
What You Can Do Right Now
While the tips below may not directly protect you from the executive order’s enforcement, they can help you stay eligible for assistance, navigate related program changes, and reduce your risk of housing instability.
- Document your disability status. If you’re elderly or have a qualifying disability, ensure your records are current. This could help exempt you from proposed time limits or work requirements in housing programs.
- Know your rights. Involuntary commitment must involve a legal process. If you’re facing forced treatment or housing denial, contact local legal aid or civil rights organizations.
- Review your healthcare coverage. If you qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare, you can switch plans at any time.
- Get help before it’s urgent. Don’t wait until you’re at risk of eviction. Visit our rent assistance guide for over 20 resources that can help with rent or mortgage payments—even if you’re not yet homeless.
Relief Recap
This executive order doesn’t solve homelessness—it shifts the burden onto struggling individuals by prioritizing punishment over support. If you rely on HUD housing, have a disability, or are at risk of losing your home, now is the time to check your coverage, update your records, and explore rent assistance options. Help is still available—and we’re here to guide you through it.
You said to “watch out” if, “Receive HUD assistance, such as Section 8 or public housing.” … this is a little misleading because if someone has a housing subsidy like one of these, there has to be a reason to take it away, if I understand things correctly. You make it sound like ANYONE who has Section 8 or a public housing subsidy could be at risk … someone who has a subsidy and is on SSDI and in treatment (documented, for whatever, including mental illness) shouldn’t have it just taken away. If I am incorrect, please correct me.
Hey Melissa, you make great points. You’re right—they’re supposed to have a reason to take away housing assistance. However, we’ve also been told that funding has been cut in some areas, and people may lose vouchers due to lack of funding. The data-sharing and other policies could also potentially affect those in HUD assistance, since we didn’t see any limiters on that either.