GLOBEST.COM: Homelessness at Shopping Centers, A Delicate Problem

By Carrie Rosenfeld | Orange County

As published on GlobeSt.com, May 11, 2016

CC_Cheryl-Todd — Todd: “Taking proactive measures to keep your property safe is a lot less costly than losing customers deterred by the problem.”

ORANGE COUNTY—California accounts for more than one-fourth of the homeless population nationwide, according to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. In addition, the number of homeless in L.A. County increased 20% in 2015, so the problem doesn’t seem to be getting better. Inevitably, the homeless end up in our shopping centers, creating moral, legal and health and safety issues for retailers and their employees; property owners and managers; and customers—not to mention state officials and the police. Coreland Cos.’ SVP Cheryl Todd defines the concerns for GlobeSt.com exclusively and offers some creative remedies.

GlobeSt.com: Has the incidence of homelessness in shopping centers been on the rise with the increase of homelessness in the region?

Todd: We have definitely seen an increase in homelessness at most of our shopping centers, no matter the size, type or demographics. It has become an issue of high propriety due to safety and health concerns. While homelessness is not a crime, many issues of public conduct are illegal and can quickly escalate to levels of threat or danger. This places tremendous demands on real estate managers to provide greater protection for properties, tenants and customers alike.

GlobeSt.com: Why are homeless people attracted to shopping centers in particular?

Todd: Neighborhood and community shopping centers are viewed as public, not private, property and not as frequently patrolled by the police departments as parks or beaches. There is a close proximity to food and bathrooms and the general exchange of money. The constant activity of a neighborhood shopping center can, at times, mask the problem.

GlobeSt.com: What are some typical approaches to deal with this issue?

Todd: There are basic measures that good property managers will always ensure are taken, such as keeping landscape trimmed as to eliminate hiding areas; securing storage sheds, containers and dumpster enclosures; restricting access to sidewalk overhangs, alcoves and other areas that can conceal loitering; and keeping the property free of trash and litter. Property managers need to ensure the center has the proper security team and resources in place to quickly address any congregation of transients. A proactive response can help manage this prevalent issue.

GlobeSt.com: Can you suggest some creative remedies for the concerns shopping centers face with this issue?

Todd: Our first course of action is to enlist the help of law enforcement. However, police departments are stretched thin and often do not have the resources, time or jurisdiction to address the issue. The responsibility then falls back on landlords and managers to try and find more creative ways of addressing the problem.

We have one center within our portfolio at which issues of homelessness and security had escalated. Traditional measures had no effect. We also discovered that the problem was worsening due to the actions of some tenants, so it was decided that we had to begin by educating business owners.

With the support of the community liaison of the local police department, a “Coffee with a Cop” program was launched. Once a month, an officer meets at the property with tenants to discuss any security concerns and to help educate them on how to help prevent issues. The program has led to a decrease in criminal activity, as well as a significant increase in trust between tenants and local law enforcement.

GlobeSt.com: What else can be done?

Todd: Our greatest challenge is identifying long-term solutions. Quite frankly, a police officer can move a homeless individual from a property today, but he or she will likely return the following day. When able, some of our managers have also enlisted the support of advocacy organizations that focus on tracking homeless individuals with the hope of providing long-term solutions. Many of the local police departments have added a homeless liaison to interface within the community outreach programs as well.

The key is to address the problem as early as possible. When traditional measures are not working, enlist the support of your consultants and vendors to think outside of the box. Taking proactive measures to keep your property safe is a lot less costly than losing customers deterred by the problems.