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Title: |
Homelessness and the mobile shelter system: public transportation as shelter. |
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Reference: |
Journal of Social Policy, 40(2), April 2011, pp.333-350. |
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ISSN paper: |
0047-2794 |
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ISSN online: |
1469-7823 |
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Abstract: |
This article examines the phenomenon of homeless people boarding 24-hour public transportation routes and riding the bus all night for shelter. It considers the dilemma when homeless people use public space and services such as libraries and parks in unintended ways. The study comprised a preliminary survey, observations and informal conversations with homeless riders on a bus route over 3 nights. The bus route that was studied is 42 kilometres long and runs from San José to Palo Alto. A total of 49 surveys were analysed and an additional 15 riders were interviewed. The results showed that a substantial number of the homeless riders used the bus as their main form of night-time shelter throughout the year, and that some had ridden the bus for shelter for many years. Men were more likely to say that they used the bus to sleep, while women rode the bus for safety. While some homeless riders also utilised shelters or did not know about other shelter options, many actively choose the bus over emergency shelters. The results demonstrate the inadequate ways in which homelessness has been addressed, and raises questions about how public services for all can be provided within the context of a large homeless population. The potential implications for service providers, researchers and policy-makers are considered. |
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article; |
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www.scie-socialcareonline.org.uk/profile.asp?guid=98b12813-47f8-436b-8862-596491335068 |
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