By: Amanda Marsh, May 6, 2016
Homelessness is rising in many parts of the country, which is putting a strain on retail properties. Coreland Cos senior real estate manager Tracy Thomas tells us how property managers are balancing the needs and safety of customers and tenants with the human dignity homeless people deserve.
Tracy manages 2M SF of shopping centers throughout Los Angeles County, which saw a 20% increase in homelessness in 2015. “It doesn’t matter the size, type or location of the center,” she says. “The reason homelessness is prevalent among shopping centers is because they provide the environment homeless people are looking for: food, money and a place to sleep.” Shopping centers are also usually privately owned, which makes them easier to hang out in than at a frequently monitored city beach or park.
There are two sides to the issue, Tracy notes—a property manager has the responsibility to protect the customers, retailers and property, but also needs to recognize the human element of the situation…
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