Trump Proposes Shelters for the Homeless in Washington, D.C.

• Trump has proposed shelters for the homeless in Washington, promising to provide places or housing.
• The number of homeless people in the U.S. has reached a record high, especially in Washington, D.C.
• Advocates criticize the administration for ineffective methods of solving the problem.

On August 12, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump proposed that the homeless in Washington immediately leave the area, promising to provide them with "places to stay," which will be "far" from the capital. At a press conference, Trump announced plans to federalize the Washington police and use the National Guard to remove the homeless from parks.

According to information provided by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, the homeless will be offered options: to move to shelters, receive help with substance abuse or mental health issues, or face fines or criminal charges.

According to data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the number of homeless in the country has reached a record high. Currently, nearly 800 people in Washington live on the streets, while more than 3,200 are in emergency shelters.

Trump's administration has sparked outrage among advocates. They believe such measures are inhumane and ineffective, as they do not address the main issue – the lack of affordable housing.

Trump also signed executive orders that streamline the criminalization process of homelessness, which has drawn condemnation from legal organizations.

Some organizations involved in providing assistance to the homeless have already expressed their concern, questioning how these plans will be implemented. For example, political director of "Kitchen Miracles" Endy Vasenich asked how these services will be available and who will fund them.

Homeless rights advocates argue that homelessness issues are economic, not criminal.

Tags: USA/Politics/Well-being