A Nation In Denial: The Truth About Homelessness

With homlessness on the increase, the media, policymakers and other bodies have attempted to explain the problem by blaming the hardships of poverty, the lack of affordable housing, economic recession and unresponsive government. Policies have, therefore, focused on the belief that emergency shelter, soup kitchens and job training help the homeless to regain their independence. This book challenges the accepted notions of homelessness and presents scientific evidence to show that most homeless adults are also suffering from other problems, such as substance abuse and mental illness. The book uses the USA as its main example and weaves together demographic and epidemiological research with personal accounts of homeless individuals.