A study was conducted to examine the homeless population of Austin, Texas and to determine who the homeless were, how they became homeless, how they saw themselves and others, what their needs were, and how they were being served by agencies. Survey data were collected from 500 homeless persons. This document summarizes findings from 3 years of research on the homeless in Austin, Texas. It begins by introducing four homeless persons in a typology of the recently dislocated, outsiders, and isolates which provides a framework for understanding the stages in the process of homelessness. It provides a theoretical model for understanding the causes, mediators, and consequences of homelessness, and describes three stages of loss (loss of family support, loss of friends, loss of community support). The model suggests that homelessness involves a progression from major loss to disaffiliation to entrenchment, with key factors being: (1) precipitating external circumstances; (2) a weakening of resources; (3) disaffiliation and elimination of traditional support and resources; and (4) entrenchment in homelessness, either as an outsider or as an isolate. It pulls together what is currently known about who the homeless are and how they became that way; the problems associated with homelessness; and the psychological and structural barriers to assistance for the homeless. It concludes with some broad strategies for action based on the model. (Thirty-four references are listed.) (NB)