(In)Visible Influences: Conceptualizing Homelessness in the Age of Over-Regulation and Neoliberalism

Homelessness as a phenomenon and as a social problem can be unpacked and understood in a variety of ways. Although there is some consensus among various actors involved in homeless prevention on how to end homelessness, there is a lack of momentum when it comes to effective policy and program development and implementation. The challenge becomes greater when private sectors get involved in the monopoly of physical space and impact the privatization and regulation of space. The purpose of this research is to move beyond discussion and into implementation in order to begin the momentum towards homelessness solutions. This is accomplished through emphasis on current events and issues within the context of Governmentality, Over-Regulation and the Right to / Use of the Shrinking Public Space, bringing awareness to the importance of reframing homelessness for varying languages across disciplines for accountability and to better align with action oriented goals, and most importantly defining the forces that frequently shape policies and programs, but are often overlooked when addressing homelessness