A systematic approach to reduce the transient problem in Fort Collins

The phenomenon of transients and homeless in our society represents a complex reality. Transiency has existed for centuries, and the causes of it further differentiate the individuals involved. Fort Collins (Colorado), an untroubled city which presents a crime rate 47% lower than the U.S. average, is inexplicably experiencing an increase of the transient population. Due to unseemly behaviour like sexual assaults, harassment, fights, drug use, aggressiveness against passersby or violence, between others, concerns of both authorities and citizens can not stop escalating. This thesis focuses on the analysis of transiency as a social phenomenon in Fort Collins through System Dynamics, to support a broader understanding of the causes behind it through feedback mechanisms, lags and cumulative processes, along with a combination of Grounded Theory and a recompilation of Qualitative and Quantitative Data. In addition to this analysis, it is carried out the design and implementation of a policy strategy to change the trend of the forecast. The aim of this research is shedding some light on the issue and giving the first step towards specific research about transiency and how much can it affect to a place. This study intends to fill a gap both in Urban Sociology and in Urban Policy-making, where is so complicated to segregate the actions towards a complex group such is homeless population.