09/16/2026
Our statement on Worcester’s proposed ordinance targeting unhoused residents.
The real solution to homelessness is housing, not fines, sweeps, or criminalization.
Read the full statement from the Worcester Affordable Housing Coalition, Homes For All Massachusetts, and the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless below.
"September 15, 2026
The Worcester Affordable Housing Coalition, together with Homes for All Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, is alarmed and disappointed at a
proposed ordinance that would criminalize and further traumatize unhoused people in Worcester. Despite the City Manager’s assurance that “being unhoused is not a crime,” the
proposed ordinance specifically provides for enforcement by “criminal process.” Criminalizing homelessness is an inhumane policy that does not work.
On September 15, the City Manager and Commissioner of Worcester Department of Health and Human Services submitted to the Worcester City Council a document entitled “Disrupting the Cycle, a strategic framework for supporting unhoused individuals in Worcester.” In addition to the laudable goals of expanding shelter capacity and strengthening community partnerships, the proposed ordinance would give City workers broad authority to conduct sweeps, clear away property, and fine individuals - simply for being in public spaces. If adopted, Worcester would join an unfortunate list of cities that have chosen aggression and avoidance over tackling difficult housing policies. These cities have not “solved” the housing challenges in their communities; instead, they have made
life immeasurably worse for the people suffering the worst effects of the housing crisis, while spending taxpayer dollars that could be directed towards more humane supports.
While some strategies outlined in the framework may improve services for unhoused people, making it unlawful to sleep outside does not advance any of the stated goals. Imposing fines and fees, particularly without regard to whether shelter or supports are available, increases the likelihood of harm for people experiencing homelessness. In place of finding solutions, it empowers city officials to take cruel, violent, and destabilizing measures in the name of public health. The predictable result of these actions will be to retraumatize people, exacerbate underlying health issues, drive people away from support systems, and force more people into the criminal legal system.
All Worcester residents should have a chance to live in safe, dignified, and truly affordable housing. Worcester’s own housing production plan echoes many of these same goals, and
we believe the City can and should take meaningful steps to create housing opportunities for unhoused and lower-income people. We do not accept the City Manager’s assertion that “government has failed.” We believe Worcester can be a place that treats its people -
including our unhoused neighbors who currently sleep in parks, doorways, and cars - with compassion and humanity instead of as a policy problem.
As the City continues to provide generous subsidies for market-rate and luxury housing and other developments aimed at wealthier residents and visitors, it now proposes to fine our unhoused neighbors $25 per day for sleeping on public property. The strategic framework acknowledges the housing crisis yet proposes no steps to address the inaccessibility of truly affordable housing. Without real action to identify and address Worcester’s housing crisis, any “solutions” to homelessness ring hollow.
The real solution to homelessness is housing. Instead of investing municipal resources in fines and arrests, Worcester should make a meaningful commitment to creating and preserving housing that is affordable to all its residents. We call upon the City of Worcester to withdraw the proposed ordinance in favor of compassion and humanity, and affirm its commitment to setting housing goals for the benefit of all Worcester residents."
