‘Treatment first’ is the Trump administration’s solution to addiction and homelessness

Published August 12, 2026 6:51pm ET



The Trump administration is encouraging community leaders and state-based groups to pursue a “treatment first” strategy when it comes to tackling the joint problem of addiction and homelessness across the country.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner on Wednesday released a 40-page tool kit for federal, state, and local organizations and private sector groups to incorporate addiction recovery as a foundational part of anti-homelessness programs.

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