In this study of homelessness in the United States, Jencks "focuses onwhat he calls the 'visible homeless': those who 'slept in a public place or ashelter' (the latter includes welfare hotels) during a given week. . . . {He outlines} the factors he feels are most significant in pushing Americans onto the streets: deinstitutionalization of the mentally ill, crack cocaine, joblessness and declining marriage rates, reduced welfare benefits, and the destruction of skid rows across the country.A final chapter offers 'Some Partial Solutions'; among them, cubicle hotels to give homeless people a bit of privacy and stability; recognition that, even with training, many former welfare mothers will need continuing subsidies; a publicly run day-labor market for childless homeless adults who can work, and improved disability benefits for those whocannot; and vouchers to allow homeless Americans to select support services they feel are worthwhile."(Booklist)

Late in the 1970s, Americans began to notice more people sleeping in public places and wandering the streets. By the late 1980s, the homeless were everywhere--a grim reminder of America's social and economic troubles. Renowned social analyst Jencks discusses the causes and extent of this problem and what can be done about it. Line illustrations and tables.