United Against Criminalizing Homelessness
LUM Joins Other Agencies in Condemning SB-285
Lafayette Urban Ministry, Greater Lafayette Family Shelter, LTHC Homeless Services, and YWCA of Greater Lafayette are united in condemning Indiana’s recently passed Senate Bill 285, “Housing Matters.” The law makes it a Class C misdemeanor for people to sleep in public spaces, effectively criminalizing homelessness.
Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, worked with Steven Flowers (Greater Lafayette Family Shelter), Jennifer Layton (LTHC Homeless Services), and Lindsey Mickler (YWCA Greater Lafayette) to craft a statement, which states: “Sleeping outside does not make someone a criminal; it makes them our neighbor—a human being who needs a safe, stable place to live, not handcuffs, a record, and deeper debt. This law is cruel, counterproductive, and a step backward for our community.”
In practical terms, SB 285 turns a housing & health crisis into a police matter, ignoring the concerns of service providers and law enforcement. Criminalizing homelessness wastes resources, weakens partnerships, and blocks people from essential services. Communities need policies that provide housing, support, and dignity—not punishment.
Call or write your Senator today and urge them to
Rescind SB 285
as long as the Class C misdemeanor remains.
FIND YOUR Your State Legislators
Follow this link to find out: http://iga.in.gov/legislative/find-legislators/. Every phone call and email makes a difference as we work to protect the interests of Hoosier Families!
The LUM Social Justice Team is an alliance of faith-based organizations that engages local, state and federal officials on behalf of low-income Indiana families and children as well as individuals experiencing homelessness. Thank you for helping to support Indiana Families!
A strong, public voice for Indiana families and children in need