Reference Reviews

Reference for Students

The Homeless. Edited by Louise L. Gerdes. Detroit, Mich.: Greenhaven Press Thomson Gale, 2007. 203 p. $34.95. ISBN 978-0-7377-3654-0.

While the beginnings of the homeless problem are traced to patients pushed out of mental institutions and substance abusers, the supply of affordable housing, beginning in the 80s has meant that families with children, many U.S. military veterans, foster children, and abandoned gay youths are now living on the street. Students will find information on "Is Homelessness a Serious Problem?" "What Factors Contribute to Homelessness?" "What Housing Policies Will Benefit the Homeless?" and "What Policies Will Best Reduce Homelessness?" Because these problems will be facing our students as through their adult life, it might be a good exercise to ask them to think about policies to reduce homelessness and make it a "platform" for when they run for political office. This will also give them the incentive to be interested in politics.