Books in the Opposing Viewpoints Series present debates about current issues that can be used to teach critical reading and thinking skills. The variety of opinions expressed in this collection of articles and book excerpts explore many aspects of the problem of homelessness. According to a 1994 report by the U..S. Conference of Mayors, the number of homeless people at that time was growing at more than 5% a year. Even those who agree about the extent of homelessness disagree about the cause of the perceived increase. Suggested reasons include economic conditions, budget cuts that affected welfare and unemployment, personal choice, and the deinstitutionalization of many people formerly in mental hospitals. All of these factors are among the topics discussed in the 33 papers of this collection, grouped into 5 chapters: (1) "Is Homelessness a Serious Problem?"; (2) "What Are the Causes of Homelessness?"; (3) "What Housing Options Would Benefit the Homeless?"; (4) "How Can Society Help the Homeless?"; and (5) "How Can the Government Help the Homeless?" Each chapter contains references to periodical articles, and a bibliography of 68 books is included at the end. Twenty-two organizations that can be consulted for further information are listed. (SLD)