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.

Covering the entire period from the colonial era to the late twentieth century, this book is the first scholarly history of the homeless in America. Drawing on sources that include records of charitable organizations, sociological studies, and numerous memoirs of formerly homeless persons, Kusmer...

Covering the entire period from the colonial era to the late twentieth century, this book is the first scholarly history of the homeless in America. Drawing on sources that include records of charitable organizations, sociological studies, and numerous memoirs of formerly homeless persons, Kusmer demonstrates that the homeless have been a significant presence on the American scene for over two hundred years. He probes the history of homelessness from a variety of angles, showing why people become homeless; how charities and public authorities dealt with this social problem; and the diverse ways in which different class, ethnic, and racial groups perceived and responded to homelessness. Kusmer demonstrates that, despite the common perception of the homeless as a deviant group, they have always had much in common with the average American. Focusing on the millions who suffered downward mobility, Down and Out, On the Road provides a unique view of the evolution of American society and raises disturbing questions about the repeated failure to face and solve the problem of homelessness.

This collection of essays addresses the lack of shelter--one of the most basic elements of human adaptation--now experienced by many Americans. Based on the presupposition that shelter is a basic human right in the world's richest, most advanced nation, the authors of these essays look more closely...

This collection of essays addresses the lack of shelter--one of the most basic elements of human adaptation--now experienced by many Americans. Based on the presupposition that shelter is a basic human right in the world's richest, most advanced nation, the authors of these essays look more closely than others have yet done at the causes of the current low-income housing crisis and homelessness. Ten anthropologists and a mental health worker use participant observation and other ethnographic methods to observe and document the experiential and geographic diversity of U.S. homelessness. Each chapter focuses on a specific geographic area--urban, suburban, or rural--and a specific category of homeless people--families with children, solitary adults, or both. Based on their findings, the authors also present policy recommendations to ameliorate the housing shortage and prevent homelessness at local, state, and federal levels.

According to current projections, the number of homeless in the United States will continue to swell in the 1990s unless more aggressive efforts to combat the problem are initiated. Based upon a thorough analysis of the underlying social and political causes of homelessness in this country, this...

According to current projections, the number of homeless in the United States will continue to swell in the 1990s unless more aggressive efforts to combat the problem are initiated. Based upon a thorough analysis of the underlying social and political causes of homelessness in this country, this study takes a a hard look at the realities and misconceptions that surround the victims. Barak demonstrates how current public service programs inadequately address the issue and proposes governmental policy changes that could prove beneficial. Related issues of criminality, injustice, and constitutionality associated with the treatment of the homeless are uncovered as the discussion searches for both short and long term solutions to this burgeoning crisis.

This sensitive, insightful, and troubling book communicates, through the voices of children, the harsh life experiences of homelessness. Skilled clinical-developmental psychologist Dr. Mary Walsh presents a study that both analyzes the problem of homelessness and conveys the sadness, confusion...

This sensitive, insightful, and troubling book communicates, through the voices of children, the harsh life experiences of homelessness. Skilled clinical-developmental psychologist Dr. Mary Walsh presents a study that both analyzes the problem of homelessness and conveys the sadness, confusion, poverty, loneliness, and uncertainty with which "shelter" children must cope. Individual chapters address basic relationships common to all children--family, friends, and school--and then consider how these relationships are impacted by homelessness, the factors which lead to this condition, and the crowded, stressful life in the shelters.

Through interviews with homeless people, Bulman provides readers with a unique perspective on homelessness. Conducted in soup kitchens, in homeless shelters, and on the street, the interviews reveal the human face of homelessness, which is often obscured by statistics. Chapter one explores the...

Through interviews with homeless people, Bulman provides readers with a unique perspective on homelessness. Conducted in soup kitchens, in homeless shelters, and on the street, the interviews reveal the human face of homelessness, which is often obscured by statistics. Chapter one explores the underreported link between domestic violence and homelessness through interviews with women who became homeless when they fled from their abuser. Homeless teenagers are interviewed in chapter two. Chapter three documents the link between crime and homelessness through interviews with homeless crime victims. In chapter four, people who became homeless because of economic factors, such as the loss of a job or of health insurance, are interviewed. Addicts are interviewed in chapter five, and chapter six covers those who have been homeless for some time. In chapter seven, the author turns to those who have found permanent housing after being homeless.

The editors of this book draw upon professionals in seven industrialized nations to examine the prevalence, causes, trends, demographics, and health concerns of homelessness and to evaluate potential solutions. They also report on the resources available to the homeless by the public and private...

The editors of this book draw upon professionals in seven industrialized nations to examine the prevalence, causes, trends, demographics, and health concerns of homelessness and to evaluate potential solutions. They also report on the resources available to the homeless by the public and private sectors in each of the seven countries studied; the United States, Germany, the Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Russia, and Spain. Also provided is a comparison of social welfare systems in industrialized nations with perhaps the most current and accurate statistics regarding Russia available in the literature.