This study considered broadly the problem of homelessness by examining the housing difficulties of one at-risk population, the elderly, who presented needs to one city emergency service agency. A random sampling of some 500 emergency case files identified the prevalence of a wide range of emergency situations affecting the city's elderly. At least…

This report reviews the three-year funding levels for the major Federal programs that primarily benefited the homeless from fiscal year 1987 through fiscal year 1989. Most of these programs were enacted by the Stewart B. McKinney Act and began receiving appropriations in fiscal year 1987. The following programs are described: (1) Emergency Food…

This document discusses the status, impact, and administration of the following programs implemented under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act of 1987: (1) the Emergency Food and Shelter Program; (2) the Emergency Shelter Grants Program; (3) the Supportive Housing Demonstration (SHD) Program; (4) the Supplemental Assistance for…

The problem of homelessness in Westchester County, New York has escalated sharply in the past few years. Estimates suggest that 5,000 people live in motels throughout the county. The largest segment of this population consists of families--women with young children. Mothers are often unable to participate in training programs due to a lack of…

The present study describes specific conditions which are thought to interfere with application for general welfare assistance by homeless persons with mental disabilities. This report summarizes the observations and recommendations of direct-service providers who serve the target population in the Skid Row area of Los Angeles. In-depth structured…

The failure of deinstitutionalization to provide an appropriate place for the mentally ill to live in the communities is the topic of this report. The history of how community-based housing programs fell victim to the same coordination problems that generally plagued deinstitutionalization efforts is discussed. Problems discussed include: (1)…

Homelessness is a significant social problem in the United States, with an estimated 2.5 million homeless people in this country today. While criminal activity may become a means for the homeless to obtain resources needed for basic survival, little is known about the level of criminal activity among the homeless or about the types of crimnal…

The homeless have long been considered a disaffiliated and socially isolated group. Research has indicated that most of the homeless are single and have no family relationships or friends to provide support. A study was conducted to gather information on both objective and subjective measures of social support from 125 individuals residing at a…

The dimensions of the social problem of street children in developing countries is being recognized and the need for social action is being addressed. The tone of recent policy papers, however, is one of sympathy rather than of empathy. This sympathetic stance is prone to distortion and misrepresentation and may result in social action which is…

This document contains witnesses testimonies from the Congressional hearing on runaway and homeless youth called to examine the problem of runaway children and the relationship between runaway and missing children services. In his opening statement Representative Kildee recognizes benefits of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act. Six witnesses give…

For the first time, federal funding for literacy services will focus new attention on the plight of the homeless. Under the McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, each state will receive funds for literacy for the homeless. Although there are no firm estimates on how many persons are homeless, a number of indicators point to a problem of major and…

Contents of this keynote address provide current information about services offered by the Administration for Children, Youth and Families (ACYF). In fiscal years 1984 and 1985, ACYF will continue with program initiatives to improve the quality and effectiveness of Head Start. In addition, ACYF has established a number of initiatives to help…

Child care problems associated with latchkey children, teenage mothers continuing their education, and homeless families are discussed, and possible solutions are considered. The public library has been identified by many parents as a safe place for children to go after school and at other times when childcare is needed, and this has created a new…

Discussion of the homeless in American public libraries focuses on harmless individuals who may be considered nuisance by library staff/patrons. Highlights include literature about problem library patrons, national problem, social issues, major themes (offense to others and library staff, balancing rights, and elitism), and implications for…

It is critical that teachers and administrators seek out and serve the invisible children in their classrooms and schools. When they acknowledge the condition of homeless and foster children, they can begin to address their unique learning needs and close their learning gaps. Based on definitions provided by the McKinney-Vento Act, some schools…