Orlando Barahona has chronicled his experience as a homeless person, as well as his ideas for addressing the homelessness crisis, in various publications and his own blog. In this post, he reviews a homeless shelter in which he is a "client."
Orlando Barahona is a San Diego blogger and author. He is also a member of the City's homeless population and a client of programs to assist him. San Diego has 4th largest homeless population in the U.S. Through the tumult, Barahona has provided the public a rare and eloquent view from inside this national crisis. In this piece, he gives a largely positive review of the tent shelter which is his current residence. He also gives testament to both the importance and shortfalls of public transit in relation to homelessness.
None of this would be possible without a reduced fare disabled bus pass. Most people forget that some of the best agencies are scattered around San Diego County and so many homeless individuals and families have a need to advocate for much more inclusive disability passes with MTS to change their lives. MTS is slow to accommodate mental illnesses, compared to it's accommodation of physical disabilities, and this is wrong.
He also shares his regimen to deal with the contributing factors to his circumstances. It's a must-read for people who who want a better understanding of homelessness and the homeless population.
FULL STORY: Alpha Project Temporary Bridge Program: A Review

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.

In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.

Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.

Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont