Americans Want to See Evidence-Based Policy Changes, Not Punitive Approaches to End Homelessness
Washington, D.C., October 22, 2024 — Election Day is quickly approaching, and soon Americans will be voting in the 2024 presidential election. As important issues such as the economy, national security, and health care make headlines, candidates are also discussing the issue of housing affordability for the first time.
In a continuation of national opinion polling conducted by the National Alliance to End Homelessness and Morning Consult earlier this year, a public opinion poll was commissioned in September 2024 to learn about the public’s thoughts on homelessness as it relates to the upcoming election.
It’s clear from the polling that voters want to see candidates take evidence-based policy-driven approaches to ending homelessness rather than resort to punitive measures such as encampment sweeps or bans. Voters largely support federal homelessness funding focused on connecting people with housing first, leaning on the model of success demonstrated by the reduction in homeless veterans.
“Americans expect real solutions to homelessness from their elected officials, and this polling shows it,” said Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness. “But we also know that people are frustrated, and that without visible progress on homelessness, many will support punitive tactics if they believe there is no other alternative. We all must do more to demonstrate that the entire community benefits when we focus on strategic, long-term commitments to the housing and services we all need. And we need elected officials to show the courage and leadership necessary to advance that message and take action to make that vision a reality.”
Highlights from this most recent poll include:
Homelessness is a major – and bipartisan – concern for Americans.
The issue of homelessness is one of the top three concerns for all eligible voters, including both Democratic and Republican voters.
Americans across political affiliation, gender, and age support federal funding and evidence-based policies for people experiencing homelessness, based on the approach that successfully decreased homelessness among veterans by more than half.
The position that candidates take on homelessness could have a major impact on elections, and this is true for elections at all levels (local, state, and federal).
The majority of voters (65 – 67 percent) say a candidate’s stance on homelessness and housing affordability is an important factor in determining their vote.
Voters are more likely to vote for a candidate that prioritizes evidence-based solutions for homelessness.
Across the political spectrum, Americans want policies that focus on getting people housed over punitive sweeps and bans.
Candidates at all levels (local, state, and federal) will benefit from taking a stance that focuses on actually solving the problem by getting people housed.
More than 70 percent of eligible voters would support candidates in all elections (presidential, congressional, and state/local) who prioritize evidence-based policy solutions, like the Housing First model, not punitive approaches, like camping bans, to ending homelessness.
To learn more about the key takeaways from the polling, click here.
For media inquiries or request for interviews please contact: Libby Miller, lmiller@naeh.org.
About the National Alliance to End Homelessness
The National Alliance to End Homelessness is a nonprofit, non-partisan, organization committed to preventing and ending homelessness in the United States. As a leading voice on the issue of homelessness, the Alliance analyzes policy and develops pragmatic, cost-effective policy solutions; works collaboratively with the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to build state and local capacity; and provides data and research to policymakers and elected officials in order to inform policy debates and educate the public and opinion leaders nationwide.