ABSTRACT
This chapter draws from a variety of research studies and police reports, and provides a foundation of ideas for addressing the problem of homelessness. Crime prevention through environmental design strategies are an important component of eradicating homeless encampments. Because of the intense public debate in many cities about how to deal with homelessness, it is a very good idea to involve homeless advocacy groups early in planning process. Other stakeholders, particularly those who may be making demands for police action, such as residents, business owners, politicians, and city officials, should be involved in negotiating what is acceptable in public spaces. Dismantling homeless encampments or altering their environmental features to discourage living there can easily be perceived as cruel by some if they do not understand how the overall effort will improve the lives of both transients and the larger community.
