How might planners advance the dialogue with politicians and citizens for design that supports the 633,782 homeless people in the US? Howard Blackson offers some insights for San Diego, the 3rd largest population of homeless among US cities.
"Homelessness is an everyday issue that gets a little additional attention during the holidays. A complex social issue, I am admittedly not an expert on homelessness. However, with it being a complex 'health, safety and welfare' issue, urban designers, planners, landscape architects and architects are positioned to assist politicians and citizens on a rational dialog and design response to our cities’ needs. So, this blog is an attempt to assist with the recently stated goal of our new Mayor, Bob Filner, and City Council President, Todd Gloria: 'To end homelessness in downtown… in the next four years.'"
Howard Blackson offers the beginning of that dialogue:
- Define the Different Types of People
- Define the Different Types of Places
- Develop Public Bathrooms
- Recycling Centers as Job Centers
- Repurpose Libraries and Post Offices
- Coordinate Shelters
- Regional Network of Neighborhood-Scaled Housing
And, as usual, he ends with a request for your ideas to add to the list.
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