Homelessness In America

The number of homeless people in America has continued to grow at an alarming rate since the 1970s. Yet many members of the general public still have far more questions than answers about the magnitude and implications of this complex social problem and the reasons for its persistence. Now the answers can be found in Homelessness in America, the most current, comprehensive, and authoritative volume available on this subject. Focusing on the broad social issue of homelessness, the book's 19 essays offer in-depth examinations of policy-related issues by noted social workers, researchers, advocates, and other experts in the field. Chapter topics include the causes and prevention of homelessness, national and local advocacy movements, the local regulation of public space, and current policies on employment, income maintenance, and housing. Up-to-date statistics and tables are included along with an extensive bibliography and an appendix listing national or state advocacy organizations.

Table of Contents:
FOREWORD vii Kai T. Erikson A NOTE FROM THE NATIONAL COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS xi INTRODUCTION xiii Jim Baumohl CONTRIBUTORS xxiii PART 1. History, Definitions, and Causes 1 CHAPTER 1. Redefining the Cursed Word: A Historical Interpretation of American Homelessness 3 Kim Hopper and Jim Baumohl CHAPTER 2. Homelessness: Definitions and Counts 15 Martha R. Burt CHAPTER 3. The Causes of Homelessness 24 Paul Kegel, M. Audrey Burnam, and Jim Baumohl CHAPTER 4. Housing Policy: A General Consideration 34 Cushing N. Dolbeare CHAPTER 5. Why the Road off the Street Is Not Paved with Jobs 46 Bristow Hardin CHAPTER 6. Income Maintenance: Little Help Now, Less on the Way 63 Mark H. Greenberg and Jim Baumohl PART 2. Dimensions of Homelessness 79 CHAPTER 7. Rural Homelessness: A Synopsis 81 Laudan Y. Aron and Janet M. Fitchen CHAPTER 8. Material Survival Strategies on the Street: Homeless People as Bricoleurs 86 David A. Snow, Leon Anderson, Theron Quist, and Daniel Cress CHAPTER 9. Homeless Veterans 97 Robert Rosenheck, Catherine A. Leda, Linda K. Frisman, Julie Lam, and An-Me Chung CHAPTER 10. Homeless Families Are Different 109 Marybeth Shinn and Beth C. Weitzman CHAPTER 11. Homelessness among African Americans: A Historical and Contemporary Perspective 123 Kim Hopper and Norweeta G. Milburn CHAPTER 12. Homelessness and the Latino Paradox 132 Susan Gonzalez Baker PART 3. Responses to Homelessness 141 CHAPTER 13. Public Attitudes and Beliefs about Homeless People 143 Bruce G. Link, Jo C. Phelan, Ann Stueve, Robert E. Moore, Michaeline Bresnahan, and Elmer L. Struening CHAPTER 14. Municipal Regulation of the Homeless in Public Spaces 149 Harry Simon CHAPTER 15. The Federal Response: The Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act 160 Maria Foscarinis CHAPTER 16. Responses by the States to Homelessness 172 Vicki Watson CHAPTER 17. Responding to the Needs of Homeless People with Alcohol, Drug, and/or Mental Disorders 179 Deirdre Oakley and Deborah L. Dennis CHAPTER 18. Preventing Homelessness 187 Eric N. Lindblom CHAPTER 19. Dilemmas of Local Antihomelessness Movements 201 Rob Rosenthal APPENDIX: Information Clearinghouses, National Organizations, and State Organizations 213 NOTES 220 REFERENCES 256 INDEX 279

About the Author :
JIM BAUMOHL is associate professor at the Graduate School of Social Work and Research at Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. From 1970 to 1986, he was, among other things, a street worker, shelter director, and organizer of single-room-occupancy hotel tenants. He has written about homelessness since 1973. Professor Baumohl holds a doctorate in social welfare from the University of California, Berkeley.

Review :
.,."a provocative look at the broad social issue of homelessness through 19 in-depth essays written by nationally respected scholars, researchers, advocates, and other experts in the field."-The Newsletter of the National Coalition for the Homeless .,."a valuable collection of enlightened writings by those who know the challenges and realities first-hand. It comes at a time when the tide of opinion has turned against the poorest of the poor and is all the more essential for this reason."-Jonathon Kozol ?...a provocative look at the broad social issue of homelessness through 19 in-depth essays written by nationally respected scholars, researchers, advocates, and other experts in the field.?-The Newsletter of the National Coalition for the Homeless ?...a valuable collection of enlightened writings by those who know the challenges and realities first-hand. It comes at a time when the tide of opinion has turned against the poorest of the poor and is all the more essential for this reason.?-Jonathon Kozol ?This clearly written and well-organized title presents one side of a complex and emotionally charged debate.?-Dana McDougald, Cedar Shoals High School Athens, GA ..."a provocative look at the broad social issue of homelessness through 19 in-depth essays written by nationally respected scholars, researchers, advocates, and other experts in the field."-The Newsletter of the National Coalition for the Homeless "This clearly written and well-organized title presents one side of a complex and emotionally charged debate."-Dana McDougald, Cedar Shoals High School Athens, GA ..."a valuable collection of enlightened writings by those who know the challenges and realities first-hand. It comes at a time when the tide of opinion has turned against the poorest of the poor and is all the more essential for this reason."-Jonathon Kozol