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Miriam’s Kitchen Responds to Trump Administration’s Announcement on Homelessness in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. (August 12, 2025)— Miriam’s Kitchen, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending chronic homelessness in Washington, D.C., expresses concern over the recent announcement by President Trump regarding the removal of homeless encampments in the nation’s capital. While the goal of reducing homelessness is important, the focus must be on providing sustainable solutions—particularly housing—rather than punitive measures that fail to address the root causes of homelessness.
In a recent briefing, President Trump discussed the removal of homeless encampments, labeling them as “slums,” and emphasized moving individuals “far from the Capital.” Miriam’s Kitchen believes that such approaches are harmful and undermine the dignity of our unhoused neighbors. We strongly advocate for a Housing First model, which focuses on providing stable housing as the initial step in addressing homelessness and has been proven to be the most effective long-term solution.
Statement from Miriam’s Kitchen Deputy CEO and Chief Strategy Officer, Adam Rocap:
“At Miriam’s Kitchen, we believe that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, deserves a safe place to call home. The removal of our unhoused neighbors from public spaces without offering them stable housing first is not the solution. It does not address the real issue: the lack of affordable housing and access to the support services that people need to maintain their homes.
Relocating individuals far from their communities without providing the necessary services—such as housing, healthcare, and job training—only deepens their vulnerability and makes it harder for them to rebuild their lives. We must prioritize permanent, stable housing over temporary displacement if we want to create lasting change.”
The Impact on Unhoused Neighbors:
The impact of these actions on those affected will be profound. Many of the individuals Miriam’s Kitchen serves rely on their established networks of support within their communities. Moving them away from their familiar surroundings can cause isolation, trauma, and further destabilization. Being uprooted without adequate resources and support exacerbates the challenges they already face, preventing them from focusing on rebuilding their lives and increasing their chances of long-term success.
Miriam’s Kitchen’s Commitment to Housing First:
Miriam’s Kitchen remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing the Housing First approach, which prioritizes providing people with permanent housing as the first step in addressing homelessness. Housing is a human right, and we believe that once individuals are provided with stable housing, they are better positioned to access additional support services such as healthcare, job training, and case management.
We urge both local and federal leaders to shift the focus toward policies that prioritize permanent housing solutions. These policies should create pathways for individuals to thrive, rather than further displacing them from their communities. Housing is not a temporary fix—it is the foundation of stability, safety, and dignity for every individual.
We call on the Trump administration to reconsider policies that fail to provide long-term, compassionate solutions to homelessness and instead focus on meaningful investments in affordable housing and support services.
About Miriam’s Kitchen
Founded in 1983 as a soup kitchen, Miriam’s Kitchen has evolved over the years to provide more than meals. Today, Miriam’s Kitchen is a critical player in the fight to end chronic homelessness in D.C. On the direct services level, we serve more than 3,000 men and women experiencing homelessness—helping them to improve their health, increase their income, and obtain housing through various programs and partnerships. And at the systems level, we work with leaders across the city to make instances of homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring.
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