Kaling Phung_1.1 Research

How effective are current strategies and initiatives in Eugene, Oregon, at reducing homelessness, and what additional measures could be implemented to improve outcomes of this vulnerable population?

Eugene, Oregon, like many cities, faces challenges related to homelessness. The city’s homeless population is diverse, encompassing individuals who have lost their homes due to various reasons such as economic hardship, mental health issues, addiction, or a combination of these factors. The city has implemented various strategies to address this issue, including providing shelters, transitional housing, and support services. However, the problem persists, partly due to broader systemic issues like affordable housing shortages and insufficient mental health care. The community’s response includes both government and non-profit organizations working together to offer aid and solutions, but the complexity of the situation means that progress can be slow and the needs of the homeless population continue to evolve.

https://kval.com/news/local/analysis-says-eugene-has-most-homeless-per-capita-in-us-im-actually-not-surprised

The City of Eugene acknowledges the increase in homelessness throughout the years. They have implemented strategies to reduce the homeless population with the following below:

1. providing shelter
2. increasing affordable housing
3. providing safe sleep shelters
4. Increasing the number of rest stops
5. Involving the community and other partnerships to assist with helping out the homeless

These are excellent resources for the homeless population, however, the issue is the limited amount of spaces each shelter has to offer.

The link to the homeless shelters in Eugene is below (I wasn’t able to include the actual infographic in this post, unfortunately)

More research was done to understand the homeless population. Categories of different people in the homeless community to help break down and understand their adaptability in the research the Lane County of Oregon put together. https://kval.com/news/local/analysis-says-eugene-has-most-homeless-per-capita-in-us-im-actually-not-surprised

After experiencing the recent ice storm, going outside and witnessing these people suffering in the cold is tragic. With weather situations like these and putting the limited shelter spaces into play, how can this issue be reduced using urban design?

https://www.eugene-or.gov/DocumentCenter/View/61483/Temporary-Shelter-Map—April-8-2021

https://www.eugene-or.gov/4900/What-We-Are-Doing