The Homeless: Profiling the Problem (Issues in Focus)

Hyde, Margaret O.

ISBN 10: 0894901591 ISBN 13: 9780894901591

Publisher: Enslow Pub Inc

Synopsis

Describes who the homeless are and the personal, economic, and political factors affecting them.

About this title

Reviews

Grade 7-10-- The subject of the homeless in this land of plenty has loomed large as a national disgrace. Hyde offers here a basic introduction which defines the problem and suggests solutions. First, dispelling the myth that most homeless people choose to be homeless, Hyde outlines the horrid conditions of living without shelter. Lack of good medical care, poor diet, and exposure to the elements prove to be overwhelming obstacles to a person without the most basic need, a home. The homeless are often mentally ill or teenage runaways. Yet an increasing number of families, and thus children, have no place to call home. Suggested solutions include the construction of more low-cost housing, better screening of mental patients before release, and increased involvement of community volunteers. This is a simple and accessible book which provides a number of brief but heart-rending examples to demonstrate the personal dimensions of the problem. This volume would be good to use with Elaine Landau's more emotional The Homeless (Messner, 1987). The black-and-white photos are evocative but not essential. The "How to Give or Get Help" section is quite useful. --Steve Matthews, Foxcroft School, Middleburg, Va.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Enslow Pub Inc
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0894901591
• ISBN 13: 9780894901591
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 96