This volume presents information from a social indicators project designed to shed light on factors affecting civic health in twenty-six communities where John S. and James L. Knight published newspapers and provided grants to improve quality of life. Seven chapters discuss research results: (1) "Listening and Learning" (e.g., growth of…

Studies the degree to which psychiatric and substance abuse problems and victimization place families at elevated risk of requiring emergency housing and prevalence of these problems among 677 mothers in families requesting shelter and 495 comparison-group housed mothers in New York City. Problems, reported infrequently, correlate with…

Assesses research to date on homeless mentally ill persons including progress in research approaches (street versus sheltered homeless populations, and directions for further research) and the evolution of new service approaches. Reviews the development of federal, state, and local policies, including descriptions of four model programs and…

In 1991, the Adult Education for the Homeless (AEH) Program consisted of projects in 31 states; a total of $7.4 million was available to these projects. The projects provided instruction in basic and life skills, further assisted homeless adults through counseling and life planning activities, and coordinated efforts with other homeless…

As in the first year of the Adult Education for the Homeless (AEH) Program, a majority of second- and third-year projects tended to focus on either delivery of services in urban areas or on a statewide approach. A few states continued an approach that resulted in service primarily to women. The number of homeless adults served in year 2 increased…

This book about homelessness in the United States offers 16 chapters in three parts. Part 1, "History Definitions, and Causes," includes: (1) "Redefining the Cursed Word: A Historical Interpretation of American Homelessness" (Kim Hopper and Jim Baumohl); (2) "Homelessness: Definitions and Counts" (Martha R. Burt); (3)…

This report evaluates the Fox Valley Consortium for Job Training and Placement of the Homeless which involves five educational, social service, and community organizations in activities to facilitate the educational development and financial independence of homeless participants. The consortium consists of: the Community Crisis Center (area…

An interim evaluation analyzed the first year of operation of the Job Training for the Homeless Demonstration Program (JTHDP). Data were collected from quarterly progress reports and evaluation reports submitted by 32 local JTHDP projects. The projects exceeded planned levels of clients served and achieved other positive outcomes, including…

This report assesses the extent of homelessness in Maryland. Data are provided in the following areas: (1) the number of homeless people; (2) causes of homelessness; (3) distribution of the homeless and characteristics of those sheltered; (4) shelter beds available; (5) what is needed to address the problems of homelessness; (6) the extent of the…

Many poor families in rural West Virginia live in unsafe, unsanitary structures that do not protect them from the elements, but these families are not considered officially homeless. Lincoln and Clay Counties are very rural, traditionally poor areas, with 45% of their populations receiving welfare and much larger proportions receiving food stamps.…

Homelessness has emerged on the public agenda of economically advanced nations but not all such issues become recognized as "legitimate" social problems. National politicians and policymakers have an interest in defining the problem narrowly in order to avoid response and implied criticism of existing policies and institutions. Local…

For most low-income households, housing has become increasingly unaffordable. High housing cost burdens have serious implications, including the growing problems of homelessness and hunger. Data on national trends and housing conditions suggest that just as the affordable housing problems worsened dramatically for low-income households between the…

This report identifies the following objectives in the State of Maryland's efforts to prevent and substantially reduce homelessness: (1) expand resources for the prevention of homelessness, and investigate possible changes in policies contributing to homelessness; (2) establish a strong emergency response to homelessness throughout the State; (3)…

This document contains the results of a study of the responsiveness of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) to the training and employment needs of homeless people. The first part contains recommendations to the president, the Congress, and the employment and training community on policies and practices concerning the homeless and employment…

The ad hoc network of shelters and related services that has been developed in an effort to meet the most critical needs of the homeless population is staffed by a wide spectrum of professionals and volunteers. Many of these individuals lack easy access to information, training, or resource materials to help them with their social services work.…