Hostile Architecture - Driving Away the Homeless

[GloomCookie]

Video that inspired this thread:
https://youtu.be/bITz9yQPjy8

I wanted to bring attention to this because this is a problem, the use of architecture deliberately to stop people from using spaces in a band-aid attempt to cover up homelessness. The reason this hits home above is because I design electrical systems for several companies, one outright stated in the video above (Starbucks), and one that uses technology similar to the blue lights above (Planet Fitness). Recently, I had a project cross my desk for Starbucks where their operations division wanted some technology we'd never before implemented: remote lock overrides for the bathroom doors. Operations wanted to be able, at the push of a button, to override the locks on the restrooms because apparently there was a major homelessness problem in that area (I forget the exact project location) and they were worried about someone going into the restroom, locking the door, shooting up, overdosing, and dying.

Starbucks seems to flirt with this type of controversy, such as when they asked 2 black men to wait outside and for the numerous articles like this one of people found overdosed inside the restrooms.

I know that Starbucks isn't really the problem... well, not directly, since they didn't cause someone to be homeless. But, it's still a problem for a lot of places that have homeless populations. Businesses don't want homeless people in their vacinity, and actively seek out methods to remove the homeless passively by making the area less desirable. That's somewhat understandable, but what gets me is the money being spent by governments, both local and state, to try and curb homeless populations by making it difficult to get basic needs like sleep, food, water, shelter, etc. The amount of money they spend could go a long way to keeping someone off the streets long enough to get their feet under them.

And the churches... That's what boils my ass. The churches are supposed to be reaching out to the communities, and a lot of them do. But the ones that actively install anti-homeless measures are just asking for an express ticket to Hell.

Anyway. Bringing attention to this because I feel it's important and it's an area I actually do come across as part of my job.

[Oniya]

I've seen some of the more subtle measures in my walks around town.  'Decorative' nubbly bits to keep people from sitting on concrete walls.  Extra 'arm rests' in the middle of park benches so that no one can lay down on them.

While I can see the potential usefulness for an 'override' (like if someone was in actual distress and needed medical assistance), I can see so many misuses for it.  Most people lock the restroom door in public places, so that someone doesn't walk in on them with their literal pants down - either by accident or intent.

I'd want that 'remote override' button attached to an emergency paramedic summons, in the manner of LifeAlert buttons - if not somehow configured that only medical personnel could trigger it.  If you think there's a dead body in your restroom, you should be calling them anyways.