Includes bibliographical references (p. 193-195) and index.

Introduction -- ch. 1. Is homelessness a serious problem? -- Chapter preface -- 1. Homelessness is a widespread problem / National Student Campaign Against Hunger & Homelessness -- ch. 2. The problem of homelessness is exaggerated / Mike Rosen -- ch. 3. Rural homelessness is a serious problem / Randal C. Archibold -- ch. 4. Homelessness is a serious problem for many U.S. military veterans / National Coalition for Homeless Veterans -- ch. 5. Homelessness is a serious problem among foster children / Kevin Fagan -- ch. 6. Homelessness is a serious problem for abandoned gay youths / Frank Mok -- Periodical bibliography -- ch. 2. What factors contribute to causes of homelessness? -- Chapter preface -- 1. Multiple factors contribute to homelessness / National Coalition for the Homeless -- 2. Substance abuse contributes to homelessness / Diana Mahoney -- 3. The mentally ill are vulnerable to homelessness / Harvard Mental Health Letter -- 4. Domestic violence often leads to homelessness / American Civil Liberties Union -- 5. American wars create homelessness / Coalition for the Homeless -- 6. Welfare reform increases homelessness / Francis X. Clines -- Periodical bibliography. ch. 3. What housing policies will benefit the homeless? -- Chapter preface -- 1. Housing is a human right / Rene Heyback and Patricia Nix-Hodes -- 2. Housing is not a human right / Michael Tanner -- 3. Housing vouchers benefit low-income families / Margery Austin Turner -- 4. Housing vouchers do not benefit low-income families / Howard Husock -- 5. Permanent housing will reduce chronic homelessness / Christian Science Monitor -- 6. Programs that focus on chronic homelessness will hurt homeless families / Gloria M. Guard -- Periodical bibliography -- ch. 4. What policies will best reduce homelessness? -- Chapter preface -- 1. Government initiatives can reduce homelessness / Philip Mangano -- 2. Government initiatives will not reduce homelessness / John Derbyshire -- 3. Housing vouchers will help homeless Hurricane Katrina victims / Bruce Katz and Mark Muro -- 4. Vouchers are inadequate to help many homeless Hurricane Katrina victims / Greg Anrig Jr. -- 5. People should give money to panhandlers / Reggie Rivers -- 6. People should not give money to panhandlers / Brad Edmonds -- Periodical bibliography -- For further discussion -- Organizations to contact