Craig’s story in Lexington, Kentucky, exposes the devastating effects of criminalizing homelessness. In just one week, Craig received five citations—for activities as routine as waiting for a bus or helping a friend at a hospital. "I’ve done nothing wrong," Craig says, yet he was pushed face down into the snow by police and left handcuffed for three hours in freezing temperatures.
At a hospital, after his friend collapsed from exhaustion, Craig and two women were told to leave by security. “She physically collapsed, and they screamed at her to get up,” Craig explains. When they tried to wait for a bus in 18-degree weather, they were met with five police cars. “They treated us like we committed some major crime,” Craig recalls.
Craig’s experience is a chilling example of how policies like Kentucky’s House Bill 5 (HB5) punish people for being homeless instead of addressing the real causes of homelessness. “Society is creating homeless people,” Craig explains. “How can we pull ourselves up by our bootstraps when we don’t even have boots?” HB5 would only make the crisis worse by wasting resources and targeting vulnerable people instead of providing solutions like housing and support services.
We cannot arrest our way out of homelessness. It’s time to fight back against criminalization and demand real solutions that work. Watch Craig’s story to understand the harm caused by criminalization and how you can make a difference.
👉 Take action today! Fight against criminalization by visiting https://housingnothandcuffs.org and learning how to advocate for real solutions in your community.
Special thanks to the Catholic Action Center http://www.catholicactioncenter.net
More:
Illegal to Sleep: Grants Pass’ Cruel War on Homelessness https://youtu.be/qYzx4ZGQnc8?si=o9Dsvem1ilwDUhlE
From a Tent to a Home: No Longer Homeless https://youtu.be/0hkkGH_QADA?si=ko0eCYxw8aQqzuIR
Can We End Homelessness? Hennepin County Shows How https://youtu.be/yq1C8l4uSZc?si=ZH6NHfO-gp0JHlTx
Finland Solved Homelessness: Here's How https://youtu.be/0jt_6PBnCJE?si=nNFhfIe5fqlwbPNx
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About Invisible People
Invisible People works to change public perceptions of homelessness and influence policy change. Many people mistakenly blame homelessness on individuals rather than systemic issues like affordable housing shortages, unemployment, childhood trauma, and insufficient wages. This misunderstanding hampers efforts to address homelessness effectively.
Our vision is a world where everyone has a home. We aim to fight homelessness by humanizing it and educating people about the systemic issues behind it. Through storytelling, education, news, and activism, we are shifting the narrative on homelessness.
Our impactful educational content reaches millions monthly, breaking stereotypes and prompting action from governments, brands, nonprofits, and individuals. Yet, the fight continues as homelessness remains a major societal issue that requires immediate action.
Invisible People is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to educating the public about homelessness through storytelling, news, and advocacy. Since 2008, we’ve been a pioneering and trusted resource in North America and the UK, inspiring action and dialogue around poverty.