EHVT Strongly Condemns Trump’s EO “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets”

End Homelessness Vermont is extremely alarmed and concerned for our clients after reading President Trump’s recent Executive Order titled “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets,” issued July 24, 2025. In it Trump mandates forced institutionalization of people experiencing homelessness and living with disabilities. Our state and country has an ugly history of committing these atrocities. We call on Governor Scott to shelter all Vermonters experiencing homelessness, as president Trump has put them in an extremely dangerous position and we must protect them.

At a time when Vermont has chosen to un-shelter children, people living with disabilities and high medical needs, and forced them into trying to survive outside, it is critically important that our state reverse course and do right by our neighbors and community members.

“The safety of our fellow Vermonters is at risk”, said Executive Director Brenda Siegel. “Without immediate action by our state, the most vulnerable Vermonters will be subject to a systematic loss of their civil liberties and autonomy. As an organization that works primarily with people living with disabilities, we are very concerned that our clients’ rights are at immediate risk”

The Executive Order targets Housing First, the only proven strategy to end homelessness. It requires forced institutionalization, undermining long held and critical legal protections, and blames the housing crisis on those living with disabilities. Research shows that homelessness is a housing problem.

The only strategy that has reduced overdose deaths of people across the country and our state is Harm Reduction. Removing those measures will send our state spiraling into increased overdose deaths and spread of infection and HIV. It will reduce access to survival tools, treatment and recovery support for all people living with substance use disorder, most especially those at the intersection of homelessness.

Governor Scott must immediately condemn the actions of President Trump. For the safety and dignity of ALL Vermonters, we urge him to stand up for the civil liberties of this historically marginalized population. Vermont must be a leader, and prevent a rapid return to the horrifying imprisonment of people living with disabilities.