Texas Criminalization of Homelessness: Punishing Poverty Texas has implemented various ordinances that criminalize activities associated with homelessness, such as panhandling and sleeping in public spaces. Instead of tackling the fundamental issues that lead to homelessness, like a shortage of affordable housing and mental health services, these laws penalize people based on their financial situation. Criminologists and human rights groups contend that criminalizing homelessness further isolates marginalized communities, trapping people in vicious poverty and revolving doors with the criminal justice system. These punitive measures do little to alleviate poverty and crime in the state; rather, they serve to reinforce the vicious cycle.