The Harmful Impact of Anti-Homeless Architecture: A Call for Real Solutions

A recent KTLA news report highlighted a growing trend in Los Angeles—business owners installing sidewalk planters to deter homeless encampments. This form of anti-homeless architecture is becoming increasingly common, but is it truly a solution?

Los Angeles has the second-highest number of people experiencing homelessness in the U.S., with over 75,000 individuals currently unhoused. While no business owner wants tents in front of their store, installing barriers like planters does nothing to address the root causes of homelessness—it simply pushes the problem elsewhere.

What is Anti-Homeless Architecture?

Anti-homeless architecture, also known as hostile architecture, is a design strategy used to control human behavior in urban spaces. Unfortunately, it disproportionately affects those who rely on public areas the most—particularly people experiencing homelessness.

You’ve probably encountered examples of anti-homeless architecture without realizing it:

• Benches with armrests in the middle to prevent people from lying down
• Sloped concrete ledges or metal studs to make sitting or resting uncomfortable
• Planters, fencing, or spikes installed in doorways and sidewalks to deter encampments

These tactics are designed to make public spaces less accessible, rather than addressing the systemic issues that lead people to sleep there in the first place.

A Society Disconnected from Its Own Humanity

Our society is more digitally connected than ever, yet we are increasingly disconnected from the people around us. The rise of anti-homeless architecture reflects a disturbing lack of empathy—one where we focus more on keeping unhoused individuals out of sight rather than providing real solutions.

Business owners frustrated with encampments could easily take a different approach. Instead of investing in planters and barriers, they could take the time to speak with the people outside their buildings. They might learn that no one wants to be homeless—but many feel they have no other choice.

Time and time again, cities and property owners go to great lengths to avoid real solutions. Instead of using tax dollars to fund permanent supportive housing, we focus on pushing people from one block to the next. This isn’t a solution—it’s just moving the problem down the road.

The Only Real Solution: Housing First

At the end of the day, people have a right to exist, regardless of their housing status. Instead of investing in hostile infrastructure, we need to invest in long-term, supportive housing solutions.

The Housing First approach—where individuals are given stable housing alongside access to support services—has proven to be the most effective way to reduce homelessness. When people have a safe, stable place to live, they have a much better chance of rebuilding their lives.

At Cherry Willow, we are committed to advocating for real, scalable solutions to homelessness. Our goal is to build community-driven initiatives that provide housing and support services—not just push people out of sight.

Join us in making a difference. Share this blog, start conversations, and support our mission by purchasing apparel that funds housing initiatives. Together, we can create a society that prioritizes solutions over exclusion.

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