Duluth Homeless Driven Deeper Into Hiding

Cutting federal support and new policies are forcing the unhoused to retreat further from society.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A local columnist in Duluth, Minnesota argues that the city's growing homeless population, especially those hiding deep in the forests, are being driven into deeper isolation due to a combination of factors - exorbitant rents, minimum wages, loss of federal support, and new policies that criminalize homelessness. The author warns that this situation reflects a broader political divide and erosion of compassion that is putting vulnerable populations at risk.

Why it matters

Duluth's homeless crisis highlights the growing divide in society and the troubling trend of criminalizing homelessness rather than addressing the root causes. As the unhoused are forced to retreat further from view, it raises concerns about their safety, access to services, and the overall state of empathy and community support.

The details

The columnist describes how some homeless individuals in Duluth have chosen to "disassociate from everyone" and hide deep in the forests, tired of trying to survive in a society with "too many petty laws and destructive stereotypical behavior." This retreat is driven by factors like unaffordable rents, low wages, and the loss of federal support for homeless services. A recent executive order has also led to the homeless being treated as criminals who should be jailed or institutionalized, further forcing them into hiding.

  • In July, a presidential executive order was signed declaring homeless people as criminals.
  • In October, the columnist warned that if the government continues to tell people what to do, the country will end up as a third-world nation.

The players

Karl 'Tent' Easterday

Also known as 'Karl West', he was previously homeless in Duluth for nearly two years, living in a tent and a friend's broken-down SUV. He now works as a consultant to the American Indian Community Housing Organization and Street Wise.

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What they’re saying

“The current political situation, including cutting federal support for the homeless poor who we should be supporting, feels like the waging of a civil war — disguised as a police action, of course.”

— Karl 'Tent' Easterday, Columnist (duluthnewstribune.com)

What’s next

The columnist expresses a desire to help the poor and homeless, and hopes that the current darkness will soon give way to light.

The takeaway

Duluth's homeless crisis reflects a broader societal divide and erosion of compassion, where vulnerable populations are being criminalized and forced into further isolation rather than receiving the support they need. This raises serious concerns about the state of empathy and community in the region.