Mapping the complexity can invoke deeper discussions to expose other social problems. I developed a visual map based on the premise that visualizing different policies, strategies, and collaboration scenarios can highlight how they “touch points” and ultimately all play a role in how people experience homelessness services. The map identifies major policies and actors in the effort to address homelessness and presents collaboration scenarios to clarify what is the state of the collaborative environment. The intent was to put actors, policies, strategies, and scenarios in relative contexts. Initially, I developed the map to simply visualize my research findings about the many policies, strategies, and possible collaboration scenarios. The map was useful to invoke deeper discussions about the complex and interconnected problems of homelessness. Later, the map was used to provoke discussions about the following question: How are the homeless engaged in homelessness policies and strategies amidst conflict and a lack of collaboration between service providers?
