Allowing authorities to impound a person’s belongings because of so-called “anti-social behaviour” is not a compassionate solution to homelessness. For many people sleeping rough, those belongings may include essential medications, identification, clothing, blankets, phones, family photos, and the few possessions they have left. Taking them away can deepen trauma, increase vulnerability, and make it even harder to access support services and secure stable housing. We are especially concerned about the impact on women, children and victim-survivors of domestic and family violence, who are already disproportionately represented in homelessness statistics. Punitive responses do not address the root causes of homelessness — affordable housing shortages, family violence, mental health challenges, and rising cost-of-living pressures do. More than 76% of residents surveyed by the City of Port Phillip opposed these changes. The community has made it clear: people want compassion, housing and support — not criminalisation. We urge decision-makers to invest in long-term housing solutions, trauma-informed outreach, and services that help people rebuild their lives with dignity. Everyone deserves safety, respect, and a place to call home.