Encampment Audit Template

The Encampment Audit Template is a structured tool for documenting conditions, risks, and opportunities at unsheltered sites. It provides a consistent way for outreach teams, cities, and partner organizations to assess encampments, prioritize interventions, and track changes over time.

This template is designed to be practical in the field, easy to repeat, and compatible with the Encampment Blueprint and Signage Overlay systems.

1. Purpose of the Audit Template

The Encampment Audit Template is used to:

  • Document current site conditions
  • Identify safety risks and urgent needs
  • Map existing micro-communities and layouts
  • Support decisions about services and interventions
  • Track changes over time at the same location

2. Core Audit Sections

2.1 Site Identification

Basic information about the encampment:

  • Location (address or nearest intersection)
  • Date and time of audit
  • Auditor name(s) and organization
  • Weather and visibility conditions

2.2 Population Overview

High-level snapshot of who is present on site:

  • Estimated number of residents
  • Presence of seniors
  • Presence of medically vulnerable individuals
  • Presence of couples or families
  • Presence of pets or service animals

2.3 Physical Layout

Assessment of how the site is organized:

  • Number and type of structures (tents, vehicles, makeshift shelters)
  • Presence of natural or informal micro-communities
  • Existing pathways and access routes
  • Proximity to roads, businesses, residences, or critical infrastructure

2.4 Safety and Risk Factors

Identification of immediate and potential risks:

  • Fire risks (open flames, fuel storage, dense clustering)
  • Traffic risks (encampment near active roadways)
  • Flood or weather exposure risks
  • Visibility and lighting conditions at night
  • Emergency access routes (clear or obstructed)

2.5 Sanitation and Waste

Assessment of cleanliness and available resources:

  • Trash accumulation and dumping patterns
  • Access to trash collection (if any)
  • Presence of portable restrooms or nearby facilities
  • Presence of sharps or hazardous materials

2.6 Services and Outreach

Documentation of existing support:

  • Which outreach teams visit the site
  • Frequency of visits
  • Types of services provided (food, medical, case management)
  • Resident feedback on services

2.7 Resident Priorities and Feedback

Direct input from people living on site:

  • Top concerns identified by residents
  • Requested improvements or resources
  • Perception of safety and stability

3. Download the Audit Template

Download the Encampment Audit Template (PDF)
Download link will be added here once the file is uploaded.

The downloadable version includes:

  • Printable field form
  • Checklist-style sections
  • Space for notes and diagrams
  • Guidance for consistent scoring and follow-up

4. How to Use the Audit Template

The Encampment Audit Template can be used by:

  • Outreach teams
  • City staff
  • Nonprofit partners
  • Health and safety teams

It is designed to be repeatable, allowing teams to return to the same site over time and track changes, improvements, or emerging risks.

5. Integration with the Replication Kit

The Encampment Audit Template is part of the broader Replication Kit, working alongside the Encampment Blueprint and Signage Overlays to create a complete, field-ready system for organizing and stabilizing unsheltered sites.

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