What's Going On: September 2025

This month, we highlight shifting trends in homelessness enforcement and funding, a renewed push for community cleanups through National Cleanup Day, and alarming developments in human trafficking cases and federal support. Most importantly, we’re proud to announce the launch of the Lightway Advocacy App—your new tool to take self-directed action in homelessness support, environmental care, and anti-trafficking awareness.

9/2/20252 min read

Hot Spotlight: The Lightway App Goes LIVE!

We are thrilled to announce that the Lightway Advocacy App is now live! 🎉

With the launch, you can now:

Select your focus pillar—Homelessness, Community Beautification, or Human Trafficking Awareness
Log your advocacy actions in real time
Track your growth and progress through the Streetlight → Daylight → Sunshield levels
Access story-sharing features and see community feed updates
Share nearby events, cleanups, and volunteer opportunities

We’re releasing a beta phase for early users, and it is accessible from this website to anyone who dares try it. Your feedback is crucial as we refine features and scale the app experience.

1. Homelessness & Housing Policy Updates

California Sees Drop in Homelessness, Warns of Funding Cuts
Recent reports show homelessness numbers declining in several California counties. However, experts caution that ongoing funding reductions could reverse those gains.
Learn More . . . – https://calmatters.org/housing/homelessness/2025/09/ca-homelessness-funding-population/
Los Angeles Encampments Cleared, Shelter Connections Intensify
Governor Newsom’s SAFE Task Force has partnered with Los Angeles officials to clear encampments and strengthen linkages to shelter and services. The result: an 8% drop in unsheltered homelessness in recent reporting.
Learn More . . . – https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/09/23/governor-newsoms-safe-task-force-clears-los-angeles-encampment-partners-with-city-to-connect-people-with-shelter-and-care/
New Lawsuit Challenges HUD’s Restrictive Funding Rules
The National Alliance to End Homelessness and the Women’s Development Corporation have filed suit against the administration, arguing that recent policy changes unlawfully limit access to federal funding for many housing programs.
Learn More . . . – https://endhomelessness.org/media/news-releases/new-lawsuit-challenges-trump-vance-administrations-targeted-punishment-of-applicants-for-federal-housing-funding/

2. Community Cleanups & Environmental Action

National Cleanup Day Approaches
This month marks the third Saturday of September, designated as National Cleanup Day—a day for communities across the U.S. to mobilize and beautify public spaces.
Learn More . . . – https://www.nationalcleanupday.org/
Major Gun Seizure During Cleanup Efforts
A recent “Block by Block” cleanup event led to a coordinated police operation that seized over 20 large firearms in one area, highlighting how community action and public safety can intersect.
Learn More . . . – https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/photos-over-20-large-guns-120000572.html

3. Human Trafficking Awareness & Response

Seven Arrested in Hartford for Trafficking and Sexual Assault
Law enforcement in Hartford has detained seven individuals connected with human trafficking and sexual assault of minors in a multi-month investigation.
Learn More . . . – https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/hartford-human-trafficking-minors-arrests-21065028.php
Federal Cuts Threaten Anti‑Trafficking Efforts
Recent reports indicate that the U.S. government has terminated 69 international programs aimed at fighting child labor, forced labor, and trafficking—raising concerns about the nation’s domestic and global commitments.
Learn More . . . – https://www.freedomunited.org/news/us-slashes-anti-slavery-funding/
Human Trafficking Info Event in Ogdensburg, NY
On September 25, a community event will bring together speakers, survivors, and prevention advocates to raise awareness about human trafficking in northern New York.
Learn More . . . – https://www.ogdensburg.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1142

Quick Action Tip

Participate in National Cleanup Day
Join your community on the third Saturday in September. Whether it’s a park, street, or local green space, your contribution can amplify the spirit of civic care and environmental health.

Local Resource Spotlight

National Homelessness Law Center Pushes Back Against Rhetoric
The National Homelessness Law Center recently issued a public statement condemning violence, stigmatizing language, and laws that treat homelessness or mental illness as criminal behavior.
Learn More . . . – https://homelesslaw.org/news/