A new executive order tackles causes of homelessness. Why are some advocates worried?

President Donald Trump is aiming to fundamentally shift how the country manages homelessness with a new executive order he signed last week.

It calls for changes that would make it easier for states and cities to move people living on the street into treatment for mental illness or addiction, and in some cases, potentially force people into treatment.

Consider This: The Trump administration says the federal government has spent tens of billions of dollars on housing without addressing the root causes of homelessness. But critics worry this new executive order won’t solve those root causes, either.

For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.

Email us at [email protected].

(Image credit: Mario Tama)