This book about homelessness in the United States offers 16 chapters in three parts. Part 1, "History Definitions, and Causes," includes: (1) "Redefining the Cursed Word: A Historical Interpretation of American Homelessness" (Kim Hopper and Jim Baumohl); (2) "Homelessness: Definitions and Counts" (Martha R. Burt); (3) "The Causes of Homelessness" (Paul Koegel, M. Audrey Burnam, and Jim Baumohl); (4) "Housing Policy: A General Consideration" (Cushing N. Dolbeare); (5) "Why the Road off the Street is Not Paved with Jobs" (Bristow Hardin); and (6) "Income Maintenance: Little Help Now, Less on the Way" (Mark H. Greenberg and Jim Baumohl). Part 2, "Dimensions of Homelessness," includes: (7) "Rural Homelessness: A Synopsis" (Laudan Y. Aron and Janet M. Fitchen); (8) "Material Survival Strategies on the Street: Homeless People as Bricoleurs" (David A. Snow, Leon Anderson, Theron Quist, and Daniel Cress); (9) "Homeless Veterans" (Robert Rosenheck, Catherine A. Leda; Linda K. Frisman; Julie Lam, and An-Me-Chung); (10) "Homeless Families are Different" (Marybeth Shinn and Beth C. Weitzman); (11) "Homelessness among African Americans: A Historical and Contemporary Perspective" (Kim Hopper and Norweeta G. Milburn); and (12) "Homelessness and the Latino Paradox" (Susan Gonzalez Baker). Part 3, "Responses to Homelessness," includes: (13) "Public Attitudes and Beliefs about Homeless People" (Bruce G. Link, Jo C. Phelan, Ann Stueve, Robert E. Moore, Michaeline Bresnahan, and Elmer L. Struening); (14) "Municipal Regulation of the Homeless in Public Spaces" (Harry Simon); (15)"The Federal Response: The Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act" (Maria Foscarinis); (16) "Responses by the States to Homelessness" (Vicki Watson); (17) "Responding to the Needs of Homeless People with Alcohol, Drug, and/or Mental Disorders" (Deirdre Oakley and Deborah L. Dennis); (18) "Preventing Homelessness" (Eric N. Lindblom); and (19) "Dilemmas of Local Antihomelessness Movements" (Rob Rosenthal). An appendix presents information clearinghouses, national organizations, and state organizations. (Contains approximately 730 references.) (SM)