The 1980s have witnessed a dramatic increase in homelessness among impoverished and dependent persons, particularly in major metropolitan areas. In this in-depth study, Carol, L.M. Caton and her colleagues synthesize the available information on this alarming trend, providing a comprehensive...

The 1980s have witnessed a dramatic increase in homelessness among impoverished and dependent persons, particularly in major metropolitan areas. In this in-depth study, Carol, L.M. Caton and her colleagues synthesize the available information on this alarming trend, providing a comprehensive discussion of the causes and historical antecedents of homelessness and answering such questions as: Who are the homeless and what are their day-to-day lives like? What can be done to help the homeless and ensure that society meets its responsibility to them? How many homeless are there and why are their numbers increasing? In addressing these questions Homeless in America describes various public and private shelter programs and, utilizing a unique scientific approach, discusses social and economic policy innovations aimed at independent living. The result is an invaluable resource for students in the social sciences, medicine, law, public policy, and social work, as well as for mental health professionals.

"This useful and clearly written book provides a discussionof the major issues involved in dealing with the homeless, summarizes information available from a number of studies, and draws conclusions about current public policy and future policy alternatives. . . . An important addition to any...

"This useful and clearly written book provides a discussionof the major issues involved in dealing with the homeless, summarizes information available from a number of studies, and draws conclusions about current public policy and future policy alternatives. . . . An important addition to any library dealing with contemporary social concerns." Choice The homeless have become increasingly numerous and visible in our society. Responding to America's Homeless presents scientific evidence concerning the nature, extent, and causes of homelessness. Using an unprecedented survey of 1,000 homeless individuals and families, as well as previous national, local, and scholarly research, the authors draw a vivid portrait of the homeless population and their needs. The authors challenge the widely held view that most homeless are mentally ill, proposing an original classification of the homeless based on needs for various forms of assistance. On the basis of this empirical research, the authors evaluate current public policies for dealing with the homeless and present alternative plans aimed at returning homeless people to more normal, secure circumstances.

Jonathan Kozol describes "Homeless in America" as ". . . a valuable collection of enlightened writings by those who know the challenges and realities first-hand". An authoritative work on a compelling subject, this comprehensive title offers investigative essays on key policy-related issues...

Jonathan Kozol describes "Homeless in America" as ". . . a valuable collection of enlightened writings by those who know the challenges and realities first-hand". An authoritative work on a compelling subject, this comprehensive title offers investigative essays on key policy-related issues surrounding homelessness. It also answers hundreds of questions about the magnitude and implications of this complex social issue. Illus.

This book presents adaptations of the therapeutic community (TC) model and method for special populations of substance abusers, and implementation in a variety of institutions and human service settings. Included are pregnant adult addicts and their children, adolescents, prison inmates and...

This book presents adaptations of the therapeutic community (TC) model and method for special populations of substance abusers, and implementation in a variety of institutions and human service settings. Included are pregnant adult addicts and their children, adolescents, prison inmates and parolees, the homeless, and chronically ill clients in methadone treatment. The settings include community residence and transitional housing facilities, state prisons, county jails, homeless shelters, mental hospitals, inpatient wards and outpatient clinics, as well as community based treatment programs.

This volume represents a new theoretical and empirical approach to the study of homelessness. Rather than focusing on the behavioral characteristics and social deviance of the homeless themselves, the incomes, rents, and demographic characteristics of a population of renters who are at risk of...

This volume represents a new theoretical and empirical approach to the study of homelessness. Rather than focusing on the behavioral characteristics and social deviance of the homeless themselves, the incomes, rents, and demographic characteristics of a population of renters who are at risk of homelessness are examined. Based on a study of changes in four U.S. metropolitan areas over an eight year period in the supply of low-cost and affordable housing, Karin Ringheim contends that the extent of homelessness in individual areas is not simply a function of the extent of poverty in those areas. Rather, she argues, the increase in number and change in composition of the homeless population is a direct result of the severity of the housing squeeze.