Poster Session #1: UC South Ballroom

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MISSOULA'S DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES AND THE HOMELESS COMMUNITY

Author Information

William Crabtree

Presentation Type

Poster

Faculty Mentor’s Full Name

Kathy Kuipers

Faculty Mentor’s Department

Sociology

Abstract / Artist's Statement

This research focuses on the relationship between homeless or residentially displaced individuals and members of the larger community, particularly business organizations. To better understand how business organizations and the homeless coexist in a community, I use a survey questionnaire distributed in person to business operators to assess specific factors relating to businesses in the downtown area of Missoula. The survey includes questions about business characteristics such as the type of business, the age of the business, and the characteristics of a business’s patrons. I also examine a business’s proximity to areas with higher concentrations of homeless individuals, and a business’s proximity to homeless or food insecurity services. I hypothesize that these characteristics will influence how business operators perceive displaced people, the problems and resources related to homelessness, and the approach to finding solutions for homelessness. I also address other community factors such as street changes, traffic issues, various crimes, and the influence of college students on a community. A preliminary analysis of the results shows that characteristics of business organizations are correlated with preferred solutions to the issue of homelessness for a community. I explore possible suggestions for finding community-based solutions that work.

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Apr 15th, 11:00 AM Apr 15th, 12:00 PM

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MISSOULA'S DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES AND THE HOMELESS COMMUNITY

UC South Ballroom

This research focuses on the relationship between homeless or residentially displaced individuals and members of the larger community, particularly business organizations. To better understand how business organizations and the homeless coexist in a community, I use a survey questionnaire distributed in person to business operators to assess specific factors relating to businesses in the downtown area of Missoula. The survey includes questions about business characteristics such as the type of business, the age of the business, and the characteristics of a business’s patrons. I also examine a business’s proximity to areas with higher concentrations of homeless individuals, and a business’s proximity to homeless or food insecurity services. I hypothesize that these characteristics will influence how business operators perceive displaced people, the problems and resources related to homelessness, and the approach to finding solutions for homelessness. I also address other community factors such as street changes, traffic issues, various crimes, and the influence of college students on a community. A preliminary analysis of the results shows that characteristics of business organizations are correlated with preferred solutions to the issue of homelessness for a community. I explore possible suggestions for finding community-based solutions that work.