Issues of Power in Collaborative Research With Dignity Village

Abstract

In this article, the author will utilize her fieldnotes and videotaped interviews to reconstruct and reflect on her experiences and some of the ethical dilemmas she faced as a community partner in participatory action research with a self-governed homeless encampment called Dignity Village. The author's yearlong facilitation utilized a democratic, collaborative, and inclusive process. Following the final stages of the research, an abrupt shift of power occurred in the community. She explores questions about her involvement in this power shift and whether the change was problematic or healthy for the community.

From the Alleys to City Hall

“…Such political action was possible, it is argued, because the encampment provided privacy, safety and autonomy and functioned as an identity building device, where those who are typically marginalized or forced to succumb (in shelters or hospitals) to institutional control were able to establish a sense of independence and self-respect and ultimately to gain a sense of political empowerment. (Wright, 1995, p. 37) One study tracked and qualitatively assessed the progress of a tent city movement in Portland, Oregon, in 2001 (Mosher, 2010). A band of eight people began marching with their shopping carts through the streets, demanding a legal place to sleep because the city shelters were at capacity.…”

“…Mamas-they need love, they need hugs. (Sara, personal communication, May 23, 2014) Other studies of tent cities also comment on the strength of having a future goal (Heben, 2014;Mosher, 2010;Wright, 1995). Both Wright and Mosher find the activist nature of fomenting homeless resistance means tenants spread a vision to others and to the hegemony of what they want; what their vision is.…”

“…In the past 25 years, several major city governments built low-income housing in response to protests from homeless activists. This happened in Sacramento in 2009 (Middleton, 2014), Atlanta in 1990, Chicago in 1992 (Wright & Roberts, 1994; Wright, 1995), Portland, Oregon, in 2001 (Mosher, 2010), and Eugene, Oregon, in 2013 (Heben, 2014). Each study documents a common narrative: A band of homeless begin protesting their municipality’s lack of housing, build a voice for their situation with the media and government, and then work with various agencies to come up with permanent housing.…”

“…One study tracked and qualitatively assessed the progress of a tent city movement in Portland, Oregon, in 2001 (Mosher, 2010). A band of eight people began marching with their shopping carts through the streets, demanding a legal place to sleep because the city shelters were at capacity.…”

“…With a food preparation area, portable toilets, a storage tent, and a heated “security” tent, Dignity Village became a relatively hospitable alternative where weary people could rest. (Mosher, 2010, p. 1)…”