A Modern Solution to the Homeless Crisis

Ryan Ratcliff*

John Chambers College of Business and Economics, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506

Presentation Category: Oral-Human Engagement (Oral Presentation #8)

Student’s Major: Hospitality and Tourism Management

My research is based on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs ideologies to create a new-age solution to the homeless crisis that our modern world faces. My research shows that if we can allow the homeless population to fulfill Maslow's pyramid's physiological needs section, they need to have a more fulfilling life. My main goal is to create a self-sustaining tiny home village for homeless recovery. Giving people a place with a locked door and an area that they can call their own where they can reflect gives them the chance to come to terms with the trauma they have experienced. My research shows the community also benefits from these types of areas. Crime rates, pollution, and property values all increase. It's a win-win situation for everyone involved. After talking with various homeless people within the local area, they would be on board with this solution to their problem. This is a great cost-effective solution to a problem that hasn't been addressed properly in the past.

Funding: WVU Honors College

Program/mechanism supporting research/creative efforts: My efforts were mainly voluntary.