Interdisciplinary research on homelessness and health
Presentation Type
Abstract
Faculty Advisor
Thomas Loikith
Access Type
Event
Start Date
25-4-2025 10:30 AM
End Date
25-4-2025 11:29 AM
Description
Homelessness in America is a chronic problem. Some homeless persons are forced to sleep outdoors when there are no shelter beds available. Grants Pass, Oregon adopted ordinances criminalizing sleeping outdoors. It fined violators of anti-camping, anti-sleeping, and parking exclusion ordinances, and imposed criminal trespass penalties on repeat offenders. In a lawsuit against Grants Pass, the Supreme Court held that enforcing camping regulations against homeless individuals does not constitute cruel and unusual punishment in violation of the Eighth Amendment. Government clearly has a legitimate interest in addressing the homeless problem, but is criminalizing sleeping outdoors in public places appropriate? What can and should be done to arrive at a policy that balances the interests of both the government and the homeless? This is a complex problem that requires interdisciplinary research to obtain a more comprehensive understanding. Using qualitative research methodology, specifically “textual analysis”, I analyzed relevant sources from the disciplines of law and health to find conflicting insights. I then sought common ground between the insights, and through integration I arrived at a more comprehensive understanding of the problem which leads to suggested resolutions. My research is not yet complete, but I conclude that the government should (1) provide more affordable housing; (2) invest in permanent supportive housing; (3) explore the possibility of converting vacant buildings into housing solutions; (4) increase the number of shelter beds and ensure that shelters are accessible and safe; (5) designate "safe sleeping zones" where the homeless can sleep without fear of arrest or harassment.
Interdisciplinary research on homelessness and health
Homelessness in America is a chronic problem. Some homeless persons are forced to sleep outdoors when there are no shelter beds available. Grants Pass, Oregon adopted ordinances criminalizing sleeping outdoors. It fined violators of anti-camping, anti-sleeping, and parking exclusion ordinances, and imposed criminal trespass penalties on repeat offenders. In a lawsuit against Grants Pass, the Supreme Court held that enforcing camping regulations against homeless individuals does not constitute cruel and unusual punishment in violation of the Eighth Amendment. Government clearly has a legitimate interest in addressing the homeless problem, but is criminalizing sleeping outdoors in public places appropriate? What can and should be done to arrive at a policy that balances the interests of both the government and the homeless? This is a complex problem that requires interdisciplinary research to obtain a more comprehensive understanding. Using qualitative research methodology, specifically “textual analysis”, I analyzed relevant sources from the disciplines of law and health to find conflicting insights. I then sought common ground between the insights, and through integration I arrived at a more comprehensive understanding of the problem which leads to suggested resolutions. My research is not yet complete, but I conclude that the government should (1) provide more affordable housing; (2) invest in permanent supportive housing; (3) explore the possibility of converting vacant buildings into housing solutions; (4) increase the number of shelter beds and ensure that shelters are accessible and safe; (5) designate "safe sleeping zones" where the homeless can sleep without fear of arrest or harassment.
Comments
Poster presentation at the 2025 Student Research Symposium.