Documenting the Use of Vehicles as Housing: Towards a More Permanent Solution

Author: Michele Wakin

Dissertation School: University of California, Santa Barbara

Abstract:

Building on two years of ethnographic research with the homeless community in Santa Barbara, California, this dissertation examines the newest addition to this transient population: RV and vehicle dwellers. Using qualitative methods, including survey and ethnographic data, the primary questions posed here include: What populations use living in vehicles as an alternative to either homelessness or more permanent housing? What aspects of RV/Vehicle living are problematic or beneficial for the community? What solutions are currently being considered regarding more permanent housing or parking?

These questions are central in thinking about RV/Vehicle dwelling as a creative solution to the housing problem and its similarities to homelessness regarding demographics, needs, and community acceptance. Although other solutions to homelessness, including tent cities and tunnels (Morton 1999; Toth 1990, 1991), have received scholarly attention, the population this dissertation targets has remained largely ignored in the sociological literature. By collecting survey and interview data, as well as vehicle specifications, this dissertation will provide the first ethnographic and demographic profile of this emerging community. Because this dissertation builds on community ties that are both city and countywide, and because vehicle dwelling and homelessness continue to be in the political spotlight locally and throughout California, the findings presented here will potentially have statewide impact.

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