Project Summary
More than 185,000 Californians and over three-quarters of a million Americans experience homelessness every night. The limited capacity of shelters and social service agencies to meet the needs of this rapidly growing population has forced many to look for shelter in state transportation settings. Living close to freeways is dangerous for people experiencing homelessness. With affordable housing scarce and the crisis often overwhelming existing safety nets, state departments of transportation (DOTs) face these pressing issues. This research project will answer: 1) how do state DOTs comparatively perceive and respond to homelessness on their lands, 2) how have the characteristics of homelessness in state transportation settings and responses to it changed over time, and 3) what factors influence decision-making in DOT homelessness response? The researchers will first explore the results of already completed but not yet analyzed surveys of state DOTs and of Continua of Care (regional homelessness authorities). The team will also conduct interviews and review available documents and data to update and critically examine the activities of Caltrans in response to homelessness and their changes over time. Finally, the researchers will draw on case studies of responses elsewhere, examples of which can be adapted in California and beyond.
