WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost of Orlando has introduced legislation that would bar recipients of federal housing funds from forcing people experiencing homelessness into detention-style facilities or requiring them to work in exchange for shelter.
The No Homeless Detention Centers Act, H.R. 10231, was introduced Sept. 2 and referred to the House Financial Services Committee. It has 19 cosponsors, including Florida Rep. Frederica Wilson.
Frost said the bill is intended to prevent federal housing dollars from supporting programs that compel homeless people to enter shelters, camps or similar facilities against their will. It would also prohibit labor requirements tied to shelter and certain punishments for basic survival activities such as sleeping, resting, eating or protecting oneself from the weather.
“No one should look at a person who is homeless and think the answer is to lock them up or make them work for a place to sleep,” Frost said.
The legislation comes amid a broader national debate over homelessness, public camping, treatment and housing policy. Frost and supporters argue that governments should prioritize housing and services rather than coercive detention.
The bill remains in committee and has not received a House vote.
