Changes in the composition of the homeless population: 1992-2002.
This study examines changes in the characteristics of the homeless population before and after a period of extended economic expansion (1992-2002). Data from other sources suggest that, during this 10-year period, the size of the overall population of homeless persons may have declined slightly, though not significantly, both in the city studied and nationally. In-depth surveys of representative samples of homeless adults (N = 249 in 1992-94; N = 220 in 2000-2002) revealed significant differences in the composition of the homeless population across the time period, consistent with queuing theory. Persons experiencing homelessness after the expansion appeared to be a more "chronic," less readily employable population than those interviewed at the start of the expansion: Those interviewed after were older, spent more time living on the streets, had more health symptoms, were more likely to have a diagnosis of schizophrenia, and had more restricted social networks and social support. Policy, research, and service provision implications of the findings are discussed.
Israel
Nathaniel
N
RDN Associates, Berkeley, CA, USA.
Toro
Paul A
PA
Ouellette
Nicole
N
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D057217:Economic Development / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D008603:Mental Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008824:Michigan / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D018803:Models, Economic; D011203:Poverty / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult