Abstract
Responding to a shortage in local shelter space and a preference for alternative forms of shelter, homeless people in Lane County, Oregon, took shelter unlawfully at the Armitage Homeless Camp (AHC). This paper examines the residents' sense of place, concepts of home, and perceptions of the camp in an attempt to gauge the meaning and value of AHC from the perspective of urban campers. Data were collected from November to May, 1993, through participant observation, interviews, and surveys in the forms of questionnaires, cognitive mapping, and selfdirected photography. The data suggest that the campers identified with the environment and community at AHC and made attempts to create a home-like environment on site. The paper concludes that AHC offered a temporary sense of home and community to its residents.
Recommended Citation
Mendoz, Cindy L.
(1996)
"A Home for the Homeless? Residents' Perceptions of the Armitage Homeless Camp.,"
The Geographical Bulletin: Vol. 38:
Iss.
1, Article 5.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/thegeographicalbulletin/vol38/iss1/5
