10 "Meanest" Cities for Homeless People

The National Coalition for the Homeless released a report today called Homes Not Handcuffs: The Criminalization of Homelessness in U.S. Cities. Among other things, this report contains the top 10 "meanest" cities for homeless people to live. Here they are:

 

10. Berkeley, CA

 9.   Brandenton, FL

8.  Honolulu, HI

7.   San Francisco, CA

6.   Kalamazoo, MI

5.   Gainesville, FL

4.   Atlanta, GA

3.   Orlando, FL

2.   St. Petersburg, FL

1.   Los Angeles, CA

So, how did these cities make the meanie list? Well, the organization looked specifically at the criminalization of homelessness. The number of laws against aspects of homelessness, actual enforcement of the laws, and severity of punishment for breaking said laws were all examined. Also considered was recent and/or pending legislation against homelessness (indicating a new or continued hostility towards the homeless as opposed to laws passed decades ago and more or less forgotten about). The political climate towards the homeless within the city was taken into account as well.

To view the report in its entirety (including the "meanest" cities breakdown and detailed explanation, which begins on page 33), go here.

CD