This title examines one of the world's critical issues, homelessness. Readers will learn the historical background of this issue leading up to its current and future impact on society. What is homelessness, causes and types of homelessness, demographics of homelessness and responses to homelessness are discussed in detail. Effects of homelessness such as lack of a permanent address and phone, lack of a place to clean up, cook food, and sleep, unemployment, and deterioration of health are covered. Legislation and programs that address homelessness such as the Stuart B. McKinney Act, National Coalition for the Homeless, National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, Homeless Emergency and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act, and Healthcare for the Homeless (HCH) are also introduced. Engaging text, informative sidebars, and color photographs present information realistically, leaving readers with a thorough, honest interpretation of homelessness. Features include a timeline, facts, additional resources, Web sites, a glossary, a bibliography, and an index. Essential Issues is a series in Essential Library, an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.