What we can be sure of is that the problem is much more complex than it has ever been. Some cities have already sought to declare states of emergency because of the growing problems associated with supporting their homeless populations.
We’re hearing that more and more local
Considering the same measure. We’re seeing major impacts on crime rates, increases in drug-related deaths, declines in property values, impacts to infrastructure like roads and parks, and a major health epidemic. This crisis has become very complex, and different populations require different responses and strategies.
Support is needed for veterans,
The mentally ill, those with severe opioid and heroin addictions, families in need, and of course individuals who have fallen into homelessness due to unemployment, poverty, and housing affordability challenges. While countless overseas chinese in canada data others are working to address the homelessness emergency, I return to my original question. “How can I help?” As is customary, I automatically turn to technology and data to see if the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) community can help come up with innovative ways to help.
I am happy to learn that the GIS community
I am happy to see cities like Riverside, California, putting this issue on their open data portal. The city is emphasizing a data-driven approach to building a profitable business based on world-class marketing developing strategies to turn things around. San Diego County, California, is mobilizing their workforce to rich data address the spread of Hepatitis A that is plaguing the homeless population.
They have identified geographic hotspots
of the outbreak and sent units to direct vaccination personnel in the field. They are rapidly collecting data on mobile devices to build real-time situational awareness through operational dashboards. But these models don’t show the exact impact with 100% accuracy. Because of this uncertainty, governments often don’t act. Instead, they study issues further and postpone major investment decisions, even when existing models are sufficient to inform a course of action—like choosing to prioritize smart tidal gates over seawalls over additional green infrastructure.