Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies

Volume 7, Issue 1/2, 1995

The Family

Ronald W. Fagan
Pages 101-118

Homelessness in America
Causes, Consequences and Solutions

This essay examines the causes and consequences of poverty and homelessness in America. In comparing the homeless historically, research shows that the more recent homeless tend to be more visible, younger, more women with children, more ethnic minorities, fewer receiving economic benefits, and numerically there are more homeless. Major policies and programs directed at the problems associated with homelessness may be divided into legal approaches; housing health, economic, and social programs; and religious approaches. The essay concludes that a variety of programs and approaches are needed which provide meaningful short-term intervention and rehabilitation, while encouraging personal responsibility for recovery, and reforming the welfare system break the culture of dependency.