Description

Problem:How do the houseless view their world? What are their most important places? What barriers exist? What are the important things that make up what could be considered their homes? These, and many other questions, are what we worked to address by having houseless individuals draw cognitive/image maps of their daily lives. Research Strategy: In response, this research reports the findings of human-centered cognitive/image mapping exercises with houseless individuals in San Diego and Los Angeles, based on principles set forth in Kevin Lynch’s “Image of the City” (Lynch, 1960). Specifically, this study asked houseless individuals to draw maps (on blank pieces of paper) of their surroundings and daily routines, which were marked with symbols to identify important locations. We then had them mark the important locations on printed maps so we could then geo-code this information. Findings: From our review, we have found 13 recurring patterns. One of them is that the houseless often travel in regular routes throughout their day, sometimes using transit or bicycling, but often on foot. This speaks to the need for services to be close to where the houseless live to support their mobility restrictions. Some participants were employed, with some choosing to work to collect recyclables or to help clean floors, streets, or shops they frequented. Parks and alleys were marked as places of importance as they offered safe spaces to congregate and travel through. Additionally people need safe storage, adequate toilet access, & better relationships with law enforcement. Takeaway for Practice: This work can ultimately help promote better quality of life for the houseless by improving the design and planning for shelters and services. Through better access to services and opportunities and better ways to help them meet their most basic needs, the lives of the houseless can be justly improved.