This publication is designed to provide a practical guide for gaining a detailed awareness and understanding of homelessness. After a foreword by Jesse Jackson, these chapters are included: (1) Introduction: Assessing the Unique Needs of Homeless People (Clemmie Solomon), which discusses the need for helping professionals to commit to addressing…

In an effort to compare the psychological characteristics of HIV positive veterans who are homeless with those who are not homeless, the psychological test performances of patients referred to the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Houston, Texas were examined. Investigators analyzed the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)…

This report describes the activities of the Administration for Children, Youth and Families in the Department of Health and Human Services, and the status and accomplishments of runaway and homeless youth centers funded during fiscal year 1984 under the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act. The report also examines the status, operations, and…

Views the designation of "runaway" as a social process, with the concept of "career" being central to this effort by allowing for an identification of where in overall process young persons see themselves. Becoming a runaway is conceived as process of action and reaction, as the end product of a person's actions, reason, and symbols. (Author/NB)

The Career Beliefs Inventory was completed by 279 homeless veterans, 390 employed controls, and 67 unemployed controls. Despite significant demographic, medical, and social differences, they had remarkably similar views of employment. Some veterans' attitudes/beliefs may hinder employability, such as lack of flexibility and the need for structured…

Interviews with street children in Sudan revealed the subcultures they develop as a means of survival. The social organization and democratic practices in these subcultures show the children to be effective social actors whose perspectives should be considered by government. (SK)

The problem of unavailable, unaffordable housing in the United States is apt to worsen. Three articles examine the factors that are associated with homelessness and discuss the role of home economists as it relates to possible solutions. (JOW)

The fastest growing homeless population is families with school-age children. Districts have trouble identifying children who come under protection of the McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, due to families' frequent moves, residency establishment difficulties, missing school records, and lack of immunizations and transportation to school. This…

At 27, Sandra McBrayer founded an alternative school, now called "The Place", for homeless 12- to 19- year olds in San Diego. Having received the 1994 Teacher of the Year Award, she discusses her inspirations, motivations, and plans for the future in this interview. (JPS)

Studied 71 nonurban homeless adults over a period of approximately 3 years at 2 separate shelters. Two-thirds of the sample were local people. Common reasons for homelessness were family problems, economic problems, and personal problems. There was no evidence that mental illness played a substantial role in this homelessness. Describes…

Case study research in shelter for homeless men revealed small, but notable, minority suffering from unresolved grief resulting from death of spouse, child, parent, or other immediate family member, or to painful divorce. Failure to cope with grief appeared to have robbed them of will to maintain their social standing. (Author/NB)

Asserts that the reading and discussion of the portrayal of homelessness in literary works provides students with critical tools for their analysis of "real world" people and institutions, and leads to better written projects and extended and deepened reading. (PRA)

Describes work of Father Javier de Nicolo, who has worked for 20 years with street children in Bogota, Colombia. Lists and discusses de Nicolo's principles for working with and educating street children, which are based on acceptance and respect. Describes two successful programs that have helped street children stabilize their lives and helped…

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is the main federal program concerning the education of children and youth experiencing homelessness. It provides federal funding to states, which then distribute the funds to their school districts through a competitive application process; the funds are used to ensure that children and youth…

This study investigated the main effects of social support measures and their stress-buffering effects in two samples of homeless adults (Ns =249 and 219) obtained in the same large county (surrounding Detroit) at different points in time over an 8-year period (1992-1994 and 2000-2002). The findings suggest that the construct of social support,…