Best Cities for the Homeless

(Key West, FL) Although San Francisco remains at the top, Key West has become a contender as best city in which to be homeless.

The city plans to build a tent city, called a safe zone, next to the jail, pending county approval next week. The safe zone would have large Quonset hut or chickee structures, bathrooms, showers and a laundry facility.

Also, the city is looking forward to developing long-range plans to provide benefits for vagrants throughout the Florida Keys. These actions have Key West breaking into the top five of the rankings and will make it unique by being the only city to provide free laundry facilities to attract vagrants. Coupled with the subtropical weather, the benefits offered by Key West may allow it to move up in the standings. Expect their homeless numbers to increase. Here's a look at the current rankings:

BEST CITIES for the HOMELESS

1) San Francisco, California - Due to the high pay structure, by far, it is the most attractive city for vagrants.

2) Chicago, Illinois - Current 10-year program to build homes and provide paychecks will enhance Chicago's competitiveness.

3) Miami, Florida - A traditionally favored destination that has not improved in accordance with current trends, but is still attractive.

4) Los Angeles, California - Another traditional destination that used to top the list. Competitiveness is impacted by poor recordkeeping caused by transient nature of their vagrants.

5) Key West, Florida - Bumped Denver from the top five by providing free laundry services to their vagrants.

HONORABLE MENTION - Denver, Honolulu, Phoenix, Portland, Seattle

Homeless people throughout the nation are encouraged to consult the list when making travel plans.