To assess the status of hunger and homelessness in U.S. cities during 2001, data were collected from 27 cities on demands for emergency food assistance and shelter and the capacity of local agencies to meet that demand; causes of hunger and homelessness and demographics of populations experiencing them; exemplary responses; availability of affordable housing for low income people; and the outlook for the future. Requests for emergency food assistance increased 23 percent over the previous year in most cities, and 14 percent of the requests went unmet. Over half of the people requesting food assistance were members of families, and over one-third were employed. Levels of resources available to emergency food assistance facilities increased by 12 percent. Low-paying jobs was the leading cause of hunger. Requests for emergency shelter increased by 13 percent over the previous year, with 37 percent of requests going unmet. Lack of affordable housing was the leading cause of homelessness. Requests for assisted housing by low-income people increased in most cities. Applicants waited an average of 16 months for public housing. Four appendices include charts on hunger and homelessness and on population, poverty, and unemployment; the 2001 questionnaire; and survey cities and mayors. (SM)