Sen. Saval, Rep. Smith-Wade-El join advocates in announcing introduction of Bill to Prevent the Criminalization of Homelessness

State Senator Nikil Saval (D-Philadelphia) and State Representative Ismail Smith-Wade-El (D-Lancaster) announced the introduction of the Shelter First Act, alongside housing advocates.

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This legislation aims to provide permanent solutions to Pennsylvania’s ongoing housing crisis and prevent the criminalization of homelessness.

“Study after study shows that the criminalization of homelessness is cruel, a gross misuse of public resources, and tends to worsen the crisis it aims to combat,” said Saval. “Providing adequate indoor shelter has been proven to help individuals and families regain stability in their lives. The Shelter First Act is designed to uphold the dignity and rights of all Pennsylvanians.”

Smith-Wade-El commented, “The Shelter First Act strongly rejects the criminalization of the un-housed, a practice encouraged by the U.S. Supreme Court and the Trump Administration, which forces those experiencing homelessness into a cycle of heavy fines, arrests, and incarceration, perpetuating their poverty. We must counteract this cycle by recognizing the innate human dignity of everyone and ensuring the right to a place to sleep is protected. Our communities will be stronger and safer for it.”

In 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson allowed local governments to impose civil and criminal penalties on individuals for sleeping outside, even when they have nowhere else to go. This decision effectively opened the door for municipalities to respond to homelessness with jail time rather than addressing the need for safe, accessible, and affordable housing.