Forced Displacement of People Experiencing Homelessness: Housing and Movement Outcomes after Encampment Clearances

• In Event: Community and Urban Sociology Section Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 18: Homelessness

Abstract

The 2024 Grants Pass decision newly emboldens US cities to manage unsheltered homelessness through forced displacement. Although literature demonstrates the harmful health and material impacts of this tactic, the longer-term results for housing outcomes and migration patterns remain less clear. In response, this study leverages longitudinal street outreach data to investigate where people move following encampment clearances. We specifically employ relational event models to predict the likelihood of various outcomes post-removal, such as relocating tracts, entering shelter, or obtaining housing. Results suggest that displaced residents do not travel far, yet clearances may still reduce visible homelessness by reducing the size of camp communities. Furthermore, people appear unlikely to move indoors and instead face high risks of losing contact with service providers. These trends hold regardless of individual demographics, although people with mental health conditions demonstrate stronger attachments to their original sites. Evidence additionally indicates that neighborhood conditions could influence these migration behaviors. Such findings corroborate broader literature on place attachments, residential mobility, and invisibilization of poverty. This paper ultimately addresses the urgent need for a deeper understanding of how forced displacement impacts homelessness and pathways to housing.

Authors

• Brandon Morande, University of Washington

• Kim Serry, Evergreen Treatment Services REACH

• Amy Hagopian, University of Washington

• Zack W. Almquist, University of Washington