A debate has emerged over guidance distributed to area homeless shelter operators, with state Rep. Doyle Heffley raising concerns about what he describes as misleading information that could potentially hinder law enforcement efforts.

Eastern Pennsylvania Continuum of Care Board President Alisa Baratta has defended the guidance, asserting that it is both accurate and beneficial for shelter operators.

Heffley, in a news release issued this week, questioned the distribution of materials that include guidance from the National Homelessness Law Center, which he claims misrepresents the role of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and could compromise public safety.

Specifically, he has raised concerns about whether federal Emergency Solutions Grant funds were used to support the distribution of those materials and whether the guidance encourages actions that obstruct ICE’s responsibilities.

“These materials mischaracterize ICE’s role and could encourage shelter operators to take actions that endanger the public and violate legal responsibilities,” Heffley said. “The Eastern CoC should focus on its mission to combat homelessness and assist individuals in need, not promote misinformation that could have serious consequences for both the homeless community and law enforcement.”

Baratta, however, has rejected Heffley’s assertions, stating that there is a misunderstanding about how ESG and CoC funds are used. ESG funds, she said, are awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development directly to the state and then allocated to provider agencies, while CoC funds are designated for service delivery and rental assistance for homeless individuals.

According to Baratta, “No ESG funds are awarded to or used by the CoC.”

She also defended the role of the Eastern CoC in distributing guidance to shelter operators, citing the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

Baratta said the guidance issued to shelters aims to inform them of their rights and responsibilities regarding immigration enforcement.

She cited a section from the guidance that states, “in general, areas open to the public (for example, a reception area) are open to immigration agents, and agents may enter these spaces without a warrant. ICE agents must have a valid judicial search or arrest warrant to lawfully access private or non-public areas (for example, private offices or areas in a shelter where people sleep).”

The guidance, Baratta added, explicitly advises shelter staff to treat law enforcement officers with respect.

Heffley has called on the Department of Community and Economic Development to review how ESG funds are being allocated and has suggested that the National Homelessness Law Center should distribute its own materials directly rather than relying on the Eastern CoC.

While Heffley has expressed concerns over law enforcement safety, Baratta highlighted the well-being of shelter residents.

“While I certainly understand Representative Heffley’s focus on the safety of ICE agents, my focus is on the safety of the women and children I serve on a daily basis,” she said.