Changes in the Composition of the Homeless Population: 1992–2002

Abstract

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.

The Age Structure of Contemporary Homelessness: Evidence and Implications For Public Policy

“…Such an explanation is different than, but not mutually exclusive from, examinations of the specific dynamics which explain the increased risk among this cohort, be it specific precipitating factors (Shinn et al, 2007), or broader macro-economic trends (Israel et al, 2010). While dynamics and precipitants of homelessness may have changed over three decades of contemporary homelessness, this study shows that (among single adults) there has been one cohort of persons who has consistently remained at highest risk of homelessness.…”

“…Such a pattern would underscore the role and relative importance of the baby boom and its impact on homelessness, as well as the plausibility of related interpretations of these effects. It would also have implications related to providing services to an aging population and shifting more resources to targeting this age cohort as a means of reducing and preventing homelessness (Israel, Toro, & Ouellette, 2010;Shinn et al, 2007).…”

“…Recent evidence suggests that the single adult homeless population is aging even after accounting for the aging of the overall U.S. population (Hahn, Kushel, Bangsberg, Riley, & Moss, 2006;Israel, Toro, & Ouellette 2010;Shinn et al, 2007). Amidst great concern about the impact of an aging populace on health care systems and social welfare programs (Anderson, Goodman, Holtzman, Posner, & Northridge, 2012), evidence of a separate aging trend in the homeless population merits closer investigation.…”

Coping Styles and Alcohol Dependence among Homeless People

“…Ethnic minorities in the European data on homeless people may account for up to 50% (France), and are always several times higher than their value in the general population of the country in question [24]. In American reports, African Americans often account for 70–90% of homeless people [25, 26]. The situation in Poland is, however, different [24].…”

Diabetes and Hypertension Prevalence in Homeless Adults in the United States: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…14–16 This trend, which applies primarily to single homeless adults rather than families, is hypothesized to result from multiple economic and social challenges facing the cohort born in the late 1950s to early 1960s, including the economic recession of the 1980s and the crack cocaine epidemic. 15 …”