The National Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients (NSHAPC) was conducted to provide information about the providers of homeless assistance services and the characteristics of homeless clients who use them. This survey was conducted for use by federal agencies and other interested parties responsible for administering homeless assistance programs. The NSHAPC selected a sample of 76 geographic areas to represent the entire Untied States, including the 28 largest metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), 24 small and medium-sized MSAs, and 24 groups of rural counties. Information was gathered on 16 types of homeless assistance programs. Fifteen percent of homeless clients are part of family households, with one or more children under age 18. Thirty-four percent of homeless service users are members of homeless families, and 23 percent are minor children. Of homeless families with children, 52 percent received benefits from the Aid to Families with Dependent Children program. Forty-five percent of homeless children of preschool age attend preschool, and 93 percent of homeless children attend school regularly. This report presents detailed information about homeless clients and the availability of services. One appendix lists the sampling areas, and the other describes the 16 types of programs studied. (Contains 41 figures, 24 tables, and 31 references.) (SLD)