The Perceptions of Homeless Encampments and the Impact on Response Styles used in New York City
Open Access
Author:
Nguyen, Jamie
Area of Honors:
Sociology
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
David M Ramey, Thesis Supervisor Stacy Silver, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Homelessness Encampment New York City Perceptions
Abstract:
Homeless encampments have become more prevalent as an alternative living situation for the homeless community. These communities tend to encroach on public space, leading to a push from onlookers to ask government agencies to remove the encampments. The general perception of the homeless community and encampments determines the treatment that they receive. When reacting to encampments, there are two main methods used. Punitive methods are typically enforced by police and lead to criminalization and incarceration of the homeless, while outreach responses are typically enforced by departments specializing in homeless support services, providing resources and shelter in most instances. Using the New York City 311 data, New York Open Data, New York Police Department Open Data, and U.S. Census data, I analyzed the impact of tract demographics on where calls about encampments were directed. This helps reveal the complex relationships involved in interaction with the homeless community, leading to a better understanding of how to improve the quality of support and resources for the people experiencing homelessness.
