This article documents the experiences of providing housing and supportive services, or ecologically based treatment, to shelter-recruited, substance-abusing homeless women with young children in their care. Among clients, observed experiences related to housing, substance abuse, and health and mental health care are discussed. Among therapists,…

Homeless individuals with co-occurring disorders (CODs) of severe mental illness and substance use disorder are one of the most vulnerable populations. This article provides practitioners with a framework and strategies for helping this client population. Four components emerged from a literature review: (1) ensuring an effective transition for…

Homeless, street-dwelling youths are an at-risk population who often use survival behaviors to meet their basic needs. The traditional outreach approach brings services into the streets, yet does not adequately replace the youths' high-risk behaviors. Similarly, job training programs often fail to address the mental health issues that constitute…

Examined women (N=20) who were receiving alcoholism treatment in the skid-row area of Portland, Oregon. Women had histories of problem drinking and extensive treatment for alcoholism. Most had been married and had children. Despite transiency, the majority maintained contact with friends and relatives. Compared these women to New York City's…

Examines a homeless population (N=227) requesting social services including similarities and differences for women and men. Findings indicated women and men experienced homelessness somewhat differently. Women were more likely to become homeless because of eviction and domestic violence, whereas men were more likely to become homeless as a result…

Presents data from an epidemiological study of 79 homeless people in Ohio in which just under one-third of the respondent sample was found to be in need of mental health services. Discusses issues important to both clinicians and epidemiologists working with homeless people. (Author)

Analyzes arguments for strengthening the roles of the federal government, states and localities, and the private sector in funding low-income housing. Recommendations are offered, including targeting funds to enhance the effectiveness of existing monetary support and using community loan funds and pension plan assets as additional resources.…

Examined 125 case records from public agency and 157 case records from private agency in Chicago, Illinois. Findings suggest that elderly people, particularly elderly women, are emerging as newest group caught in widening net of homelessness. This group does not fit stereotypes attributed to homeless population; nevertheless, elderly people are at…

Compared homeless and nonhomeless youths who sought help at runaway shelters in eight states. Both groups reported range of personal, family, and school problems, but problems of homeless group were more chronic than those of nonhomeless group. Most homeless youths lacked stable, supportive family to which they could return. (Author/NB)

Draws on models of social networking to present findings from a six-year study of homeless families who received treatment at the Salvation Army Lodge in St. Louis, Missouri. Presents a four-stage model of treatment: the crisis, stabilization, relocation, and follow-up stages. (Author/ABB)

Studied homeless mentally ill patients who had been released into the community. Discusses mentally ill clients' rights to self-determination versus immediate survival needs and the potential mental restoration that could be provided through commitment to a psychiatric hospital. Presents two case studies. (Author/ABL)

Examined prevalence of five childhood risk factors (sexual abuse, physical abuse, parental mental illness, substance abuse, out-of-home placement) among dually diagnosed (mentally ill and substance abusing) homeless adults (n=156) in rehabilitation programs. Findings suggest that childhood risk factors, whether single or multiple, are very…

Reviews research on the characteristics and unique service needs of minority homeless persons, describing the differences between black and white respondents in a large epidemiological study of homeless persons. Addresses demographic characteristics, patterns of homelessness, and economic, social and health problems of homeless persons. Explores…

Argues that the term "homelessness" does not adequately explain housing problems experienced by high school-aged youths. Surveyed 3,676 high school teens to determine their level of "housing distress." Between 5 and 10% had been homeless sometime during the past year, and almost 20% were at risk of becoming homeless. (RJM)

Investigates psychosocial, relationship, and situational factors associated with HIV risk in a sample of 152 inner-city homeless men and women. Results show gender differences in risk patterns. Concludes that HIV prevention efforts tailored to the different risk circumstances of men and women are needed in social services programs for homeless…