Longtime Urban Institute researcher Martha Burt and her co-authors provide an in-depth analysis of homelessness, exploring issues such as how many homeless people there are in America, where they are, why they became homeless, how long their homelessness lasts, the different ways programs in different communities are helping the homeless, and how policymakers have approached the problem. Finally, they consider what societies may be willing to do reduce the probability that their members will become homeless. c. Book News Inc.

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.

Strength. Dignity. Humanity. Grace. These qualities are not commonly associated with America's homeless, so often overlooked or avoided on our city streets. Yet they are precisely the qualities that illuminate the faces pictured in this astonishing volume. These are our sisters and brothers, and this collection of portraits honors them. Photographer Lynn Blodgett is the head of the nation's largest provider of computer-based services to state and local governments. While traveling for work, Blodgett began compiling a photographic journal of the homeless people he encountered in each of the cities he visited. He discovered the grace and dignity in his subjects. He listened to their stories. And in response he has created a compelling social document, at once gorgeous and simple. Finding Grace: The Face of America's Homeless is Lynn Blodgett's elegant statement on humanity. Through his lens we are reminded of the inspiration that can be found in the gravest of circumstances, and that can be the source of change. Proceeds from the sale of the book will benefit the Finding Grace Homeless Initiative in its efforts to raise awareness for homeless issues across the country.

Chronic homelessness is a highly complex social problem of national importance. The problem has elicited a variety of societal and public policy responses over the years, concomitant with fluctuations in the economy and changes in the demographics of and attitudes toward poor and disenfranchised citizens. In recent decades, federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and the philanthropic community have worked hard to develop and implement programs to solve the challenges of homelessness, and progress has been made. However, much more remains to be done. Importantly, the results of various efforts, and especially the efforts to reduce homelessness among veterans in recent years, have shown that the problem of homelessness can be successfully addressed. Although a number of programs have been developed to meet the needs of persons experiencing homelessness, this report focuses on one particular type of intervention: permanent supportive housing (PSH). Permanent Supportive Housing focuses on the impact of PSH on health care outcomes and its cost-effectiveness. The report also addresses policy and program barriers that affect the ability to bring the PSH and other housing models to scale to address housing and health care needs.

A Cry for Help is a vivid and irrefutable picture of the homeless in America, told in their own words. Portraits by acclaimed photographer Mary Ellen Mark join an urgent introduction by Andrew Cuomo, Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development, H.U.D. and founder of H.E.L.P. (Housing Enterprise for the Less Privileged). Noted child psychiatrist and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Dr. Robert Coles offers a thoughtful preface about the painful effects of homelessness on a child's soul. In the tradition of classic works of advocacy like Let Us Now Praise Famous Men, this book speaks to our national moral conscience and offers an optimistic message that both personal and social change is possible.

The most accurate and comprehensive picture of homelessness to date, this study offers a powerful explanation of its causes, proposes short- and long-term solutions, and documents the striking contrasts between the homeless of the 1950s and 1960s and the contemporary homeless population, which is younger and contains more women, children, and blacks.

How to help the most disenfranchised of our citizens, those displaced and sometimes discarded in our society. As the growing epidemic of homelessness grips America, author Tina Babcock gives insight to the causes and solutions. It is a practical guide for those wanting to make a difference with this stigmatized and often feared population within our communities. After more than a decade of working with both temporarily displaced and chronically homeless individuals she gives a compassionate and practical view of what it takes to be effective. Whether you have a relative that has ended up on your couch or you are running an outreach to homeless individuals, youll find this a valuable resource.