The American Homeless Family Shelter System

A significant increase in homelessness among families during the past decade has led to the establishment of an extensive family shelter system. Because the number of shelters has grown so quickly, there is little systematic information that describes them. In this study, the authors examine general characteristics, services offered, and common practices of 646 family shelters across the United States. Data are drawn from a mail survey of family shelters conducted by a nonprofit organization devoted to research and action on homeless families. Analysis revealed that the system of family shelters is not a coordinated system but rather a diverse group of loosely connected programs, organized primarily by local sponsors. In addition findings indicated that shelter practices often exclude the neediest families. (Authors)

Publication Date: 
1995
Pages: 
86-107
Volume: 
March
Journal Name: 
Social Service Review