As members of the ELCA Homeless and Justice Network, we firmly oppose this administration’s executive order “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets,” which falsely conflates homelessness with criminality, mental illness and addiction.

Our faith compels us to reject the scapegoating of our vulnerable neighbors. We remember the words of the prophet Isaiah: “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, … to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house?” (Isaiah 58:6-7).

Homelessness is not a crime. It is a complex social and economic condition that demands justice-driven public policy, not fear-based executive action.