Sponsor
Portland State University. Department of Geography
First Advisor
Martin Swobodzinski
Date of Award
5-2019
Document Type
Paper
Degree Name
Master of Science (M.S.) in Geography
Department
Geography
Subjects
Homeless camps -- Oregon -- Portland -- Location, Homeless persons -- Oregon -- Portland -- Statistics, Geographic information systems, Urban ecology
DOI
10.15760/geogmaster.24
Abstract
Homelessness is a complex American social issue. Understanding the homeless population, including how many people experience homelessness, how they entered the experience, their demographics, how they survive, and where they survive, aids policymakers, planners, and advocates in developing the appropriate approaches and solutions to end and prevent homelessness. Analysis of homeless spatial patterns and distributions across different locales provides a more in-depth understandings of this population and how best to support them, from the local to national level. Using geographic information systems (GIS) and statistical methods, this study examines the spatial patterns of homeless campsites and their relationship with urban features including, administrative zones, transportation, and homeless support services in Portland, Oregon. Findings indicate significant concentrations of homeless campsites across the city, as well as significant relationships between campsites and all identified urban features. These understandings of how and where the homeless population survive is essential in developing the most effective means of engaging with and supporting this dynamic and varied population.
Rights
In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/29245
Recommended Citation
Harrell, Krystle N., "Homelessness in Portland, Oregon: An Analysis of Homeless Campsite Spatial Patterns and Spatial Relationships" (2019). Geography Masters Research Papers. 24.
https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/geog_masterpapers/24
10.15760/geogmaster.24
Included in
Geographic Information Sciences Commons, Physical and Environmental Geography Commons, Spatial Science Commons
Comments
A research paper submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Geography.