The startling trend of criminalizing the behavior of homeless persons is continuing across the country.

Despite advocacy by the Law Center, Denver has begun enforcing a ban on camping. The law defines camping as any attempt to cook or sleep in public with some form of shelter (which could be something as simple as a blanket).  Denver is treating this behavior as if it were a choice, but recent data suggests that there are approximately 200 more homeless people than shelters can house at full capacity. This new law is an outward attempt at "city beautification" at the expense of homeless people's human rights.

When the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act was passed in 1987, it was meant to be a first step in a larger plan to end homelessness. But 25 years later, we haven't finished the job. To mark this milestone, a coalition of national and grassroots organizations, including the Law Center, have come together to issue a joint statement to Congress outlining why this national crisis persists and how to finally end it. It is critical for policymakers to see that we are one voice to end homelessness.

The Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act (PTFA), which the Law Center helped pass in 2009, guarantees renters the right to remain in their home until the end of their lease, or -- if there is no lease -- 90 days notice before eviction. PTFA has prevented homelessness for thousands of renters, but unfortunately, oversight of its implementation has been lacking to date.

The Law Center is preparing a comprehensive report outlining renters' rights and known violations of PTFA. If you are a homeless service provider or a person wrongly evicted from their home, please take a moment to fill out our online survey. Help us help you!

If you have any questions about the survey or about PTFA, please contact Law Center Housing Attorney Tristia Bauman.

Asked to describe herself in three adjectives, Cecilia Dos Santos, the Law Center's pro bono coordinator, responded: "Loud. If you couldn't tell. I have very strong opinions. And I like meeting and working with new people."

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, raised in West Hartford, Connecticut and an alumna of Tufts University near Boston, Cecilia will return to her native land for a two-week sojourn in August. She's looking forward to the trip immensely, especially for the chance to visit family, including a toddler godson; however, she dislikes that the trip will take place during Argentina's winter.

Please join us in giving our newest board member, Erin Sermeus, a warm welcome!

Erin currently works for Harpo Studios in Booking and Talent Relations. She has worked with The Oprah Winfrey Show for five seasons and, now, she is working with the Oprah Presents: Master Class television series. She is the manager of booking and talent relations. As the manager, she interviews with a range of people that have newsworthy stories to share.

Erin attended Clemson University and graduated with dual degrees in English and Political Science. After college, she worked as a press secretary on Capitol Hill and on Bill Bradley's 2000 presidential campaign. As Erin switched her interests to television, she worked at CNN for six years as Larry King's publicist before becoming the political producer at the Larry King Live show. She covered Hurricane Katrina, which left thousands homeless in New Orleans, as well as the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections.

The Law Center invites you to attend the latest in a series of dialogues previewing the UN-Habitat's World Urban Forum 6: "Equity & Prosperity: Distribution of Wealth," to be held this Monday, June 18 at the National Building Museum from 12-2 pm.

As a member of the panel, Law Center Executive Director Maria Foscarinis will speak on the criminalization of homelessness, including how it relates to human rights and trends outside the United States. The event is free and open to the public.

The National Building Museum is located at 401 F St. NW. in Washington, D.C. To RSVP, please visit the Museum's website.