Many people have asked me about President Trump’s July 24, 2025, executive order titled “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets.”

When asked, I emphasize that the Rescue Mission strives to remain apolitical. We don’t endorse candidates or suggest how anyone should vote. However, we do offer our thoughts on public policies that affect our homeless friends.

In my reading, the July executive order is an attempt to address chronic homelessness by reevaluating previous government strategies. Past approaches, while well-intentioned, have not worked because homelessness, at its core, is not a problem the government can solve alone.

Chronic homelessness is a spiritual issue—rooted in trauma, abuse, addiction, mental illness, poverty, and broken relationships. No government, no matter how capable, can mend what is wounded in the human heart.

Only Jesus Christ can truly change hearts. Faith in Him for forgiveness and new life is the true solution.

When I first joined the Rescue Mission two decades ago, “Housing First” was emerging as the dominant philosophy to address homelessness. It began in Seattle and was adopted nationwide by the Bush–Cheney administration. Subsequent administrations continued to embrace it.

Housing First is built on the idea that homelessness equals chaos, and housing removes chaos. Once housed, individuals are expected to voluntarily focus on employment, healthcare, and recovery. Utah was praised as a national model. Outlets like The San Francisco Chronicle, NPR, and The Washington Post shared glowing reports about Utah’s Housing First successes. However, the model seemed to miss the point that there were reasons a person becomes homeless in the first place.

Years later, reality caught up. Utah’s “success” proved largely overstated. According to a 2023 Cato Institute report, homelessness in Utah remained virtually unchanged between 2005 and 2022.

In reaction to Housing First’s eventual shortcomings, many cities pivoted and adopted libertarian-style policies. These de-emphasized enforcement of trespassing laws and allowed homeless encampments to grow. While motivated by compassion and respect for personal liberty, such approaches often backfired. Frustration grew. Property owners felt ignored, public health concerns increased, and communities struggled with safety.

All this led to the July 2025 executive order, emerging from two key realities:

1. The failure of non-enforcement policies and the growth of homeless encampments across the country.
2. The disappointing results of a primary focus on Housing First investments that had not sufficiently addressed root causes such as historical abuse, mental illness, addictions, and a lack of life skills.

One aspect of the July 2025 executive order that I appreciate is its focus on addiction and mental health. In my experience, hurts run deep, and people often turn to substances to escape pain. Substance abuse often leads to a life on the street.

That said, there is no one single strategy God uses to change lives, so the Rescue Mission uses multiple tactics:

1. Faith in Jesus Christ. We share the Gospel. Everyone needs Jesus for transformation in this life and for eternal hope. Real change doesn’t happen without spiritual renewal.
2. Support for Situational Homelessness. Some lose housing due to job loss or rising rent. Our transitions program helps people get back into housing once employment and affordability return.
3. Comprehensive Healing for Chronic Homelessness. Most people need more than just shelter. Our New Life Program includes counseling, prayer, journaling, work therapy, forgiveness, Bible study, life skills, and healthy relationships. Ruth 2:20 shares how God used Ruth’s relationship with Boaz to bless Naomi and Ruth, who could have slipped into poverty and homelessness.
4. Outreach to Camps and the Streets. We meet people where they are. Outreach teams connect with individuals living on the streets and guide them to the help we offer.
5. Jail and Prison Transitions. We support those who are in poverty and walk out of jail or prison with literally no place to go. The Mission provides accountability, addiction support, and stability to reduce recidivism.
6. Medical and Mental Health Care. Some need clinical treatment and behavioral health support. We partner with organizations such as the Fourth Street Clinic, Sacred Circle Healthcare, Valley Behavioral Health, and the Salt Lake County Health Department to meet these needs.

Government alone can’t heal all the pain and problems of homelessness. But God can. Jesus is the one true Executive Order we all need.

Please join me in prayer—for wisdom among elected leaders, for policies rooted in compassionate accountability, and for our homeless friends to find healing and new life through the Gospel and the work of the Rescue Mission.

God bless you,
Chris D. Croswhite
Executive Director