Andrew Greenlee is a Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at UIUC. He is also co-lead of IGPA’s Equity, Justice, & Human Flourishing Working Group. Andrew’s work focuses on the intersection of housing policy, community development, and social equity in urban planning. Greenlee responds to the recent ordinance passed by the Peoria City Council to fine unhoused individuals for being in public spaces.
The approved ban carries a warning prior to an initial citation. Fines for a first offense would be set at $50-$100 and would not be uncollected if there is no repeat violation. Subsequent offenses would see increased fines and potential jail terms of up to six months in jail. The new law goes into effect in January.
Q: What are the potential social equity implications of criminalizing outdoor camping for unhoused individuals?
A: Unhoused individuals are among the most vulnerable populations, and they often belong to already marginalized groups. Criminalizing outdoor camping increases their exposure to law enforcement and the criminal justice system, which can further destabilize individuals already experiencing significant hardships. Instead of providing support, these policies exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, alter the relationship between law enforcement and the unhoused, and make it even harder for individuals to regain stability.
Q: How might these policies disproportionately affect marginalized communities?
A: Housing instability affects certain demographics more acutely — people of color, low-income individuals, and men, in particular. Women and children are more likely to find spaces in shelters, leaving men disproportionately unsheltered. These groups are already overrepresented in encounters with law enforcement, and housing instability only compounds their marginalization. Criminalizing homelessness creates layers of vulnerability and fines take scarce resources from those already facing financial hardships, making it even more difficult for individuals to escape the cycle of instability.
Q: From a housing policy perspective, what alternative approaches could municipalities like Peoria implement to address homelessness without resorting to punitive measures?
A: The root of the issue is our national housing crisis, particularly in terms of affordability and housing quality. Municipalities should focus on stabilizing existing housing through better maintenance and addressing affordability through policies like building more affordable housing and offering rental assistance. Municipalities also benefit greatly from investments in social and legal services to increase support for those facing housing instability.
Immediate solutions like direct cash transfers and basic income programs have proven effective, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. We saw these strategies being used at the local, state, and federal levels. Evaluations of these interventions show that they efficiently addressed acute financial challenges which provided enough support to help individuals maintain or regain stable housing.
Q: How does the criminalization of homelessness intersect with broader systemic challenges in affordable housing and community development?
A: Criminalizing homelessness doesn’t solve the problem; it simply displaces it, shifting the issue from one area to another without addressing root causes. It can create what we call a “shell game” effect, where the problem moves rather than resolves. Worse, these policies erode trust between unhoused individuals and government agencies, making it harder for people to seek or receive support.
Without investments in social support systems, criminalization remains purely punitive and counterproductive. Additionally, the time and resources spent enforcing such policies could be better used fostering collaboration between government and community groups to create meaningful solutions.
Q: Could you share examples of successful approaches to homelessness from other cities?
A: During the COVID-19 pandemic, several initiatives proved effective, such as using vacant hotels to house unsheltered individuals and providing rental assistance or direct cash transfers. These strategies not only supported individuals in crisis but also stabilized landlords who rely on rental income.
Q: Any final thoughts on how we should approach homelessness at the local level?
A: The key takeaway is that criminalization is not a solution if the goal is to address homelessness. It merely displaces the problem. Municipalities need to act quickly and thoughtfully, drawing from the playbook developed during the pandemic, such as legal protections for renters, direct financial assistance, and targeted housing programs. Ultimately, addressing homelessness requires systematic investment, collaboration, and a focus on building trust within communities.
