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Homelessness as a Moving Target

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  • Barrett A. Lee
  • Marybeth Shinn
  • Dennis P. Culhane

Abstract

Contrary to popular perceptions of homelessness as a static, enduring condition, we emphasize its dynamic nature. The updated macro-micro framework that we develop capitalizes on the increasing availability of over-time data, which makes it easier to examine changes in homelessness and the factors responsible for them. Our framework integrates structural forces—such as income inequality, an affordable housing shortage, social exclusion, and inadequate safety net programs—with the personal circumstances and challenges that shape individuals’ homeless trajectories. The macro-micro perspective also helps us to evaluate the effectiveness of policies, and it highlights variation across contexts in how the dynamics of homelessness operate. In a separate section, we introduce the sixteen core articles of this volume against the macro-micro backdrop. Finally, we discuss two emergent macro “shocks†(the COVID-19 pandemic and climate-related hazards) that are largely absent from the volume but carry important implications for understanding and addressing homelessness in the future.

Suggested Citation

  • Barrett A. Lee & Marybeth Shinn & Dennis P. Culhane, 2021. "Homelessness as a Moving Target," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 693(1), pages 8-26, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:anname:v:693:y:2021:i:1:p:8-26
    DOI: 10.1177/0002716221997038
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Daniel Gubits & Marybeth Shinn & Michelle Wood & Scott R. Brown & Samuel R. Dastrup & Stephen H. Bell, 2018. "What Interventions Work Best for Families Who Experience Homelessness? Impact Estimates from the Family Options Study," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 37(4), pages 835-866, September.
    2. Jacob William Faber, 2019. "On the Street During the Great Recession: Exploring the Relationship Between Foreclosures and Homelessness," Housing Policy Debate, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 29(4), pages 588-606, July.
    3. McAllister, W. & Lennon, M.C. & Kuang, L., 2011. "Rethinking research on forming typologies of homelessness," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 101(4), pages 596-601.
    4. Vincent A. Fusaro & Helen G. Levy & H. Luke Shaefer, 2018. "Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Lifetime Prevalence of Homelessness in the United States," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 55(6), pages 2119-2128, December.
    5. Dworsky, A. & Napolitano, L. & Courtney, M., 2013. "Homelessness during the transition from foster care to adulthood," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 103(S2), pages 318-323.
    6. Alice Fothergill & Lori Peek, 2004. "Poverty and Disasters in the United States: A Review of Recent Sociological Findings," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 32(1), pages 89-110, May.
    7. Shinn, M. & Greer, A.L. & Bainbridge, J. & Kwon, J. & Zuiderveen, S., 2013. "Efficient targeting of homelessness prevention services for families," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 103(S2), pages 324-330.
    8. Marah Curtis & Hope Corman & Kelly Noonan & Nancy Reichman, 2013. "Life Shocks and Homelessness," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 50(6), pages 2227-2253, December.
    9. Maria Hanratty, 2017. "Do Local Economic Conditions Affect Homelessness? Impact of Area Housing Market Factors, Unemployment, and Poverty on Community Homeless Rates," Housing Policy Debate, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 27(4), pages 640-655, July.
    10. Dennis P. Culhane & Stephen Metraux & Thomas Byrne, 2011. "A prevention-centered approach to homelessness assistance: a paradigm shift?," Housing Policy Debate, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 21(2), pages 295-315, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mary-Catherine Anderson & Ashley Hazel & Jessica M. Perkins & Zack W. Almquist, 2021. "The Ecology of Unsheltered Homelessness: Environmental and Social-Network Predictors of Well-Being among an Unsheltered Homeless Population," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-22, July.
    2. Katherine M. O’Regan & Ingrid Gould Ellen & Sophie House, 2021. "How to Address Homelessness: Reflections from Research," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 693(1), pages 322-332, January.
    3. Matthew D. Marr, 2021. "Finding Security on Skid Row: The Positive Role of Organizational and Social Ties in Service Hubs in the United States and Japan," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 693(1), pages 301-320, January.
    4. Matthews, Ann & Hamel, Erin, 2024. "Community resource and social safety net information, knowledge, and use among parents of young children in a homeless shelter," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 163(C).

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