Reference books
encyclopedias, guides, and handbooks
Encyclopedia of Homelessness
This two-volume set encompasses a broad overview of homelessness, from its history in the United States and around the world, to research and causes, health issues, organizations, services and programs, housing, and legal issues. Arranged alphabetically, entries average four pages and include a further reading list as well as cross references and photographs where applicable. Special strengths include five appendices with bibliographies, filmographies, directories, an extensive master bibliography, and an index.
Levinson, D. (2004). Encyclopedia of homelessness. Thousand Oaks, Calif: Sage Publications.
Homelessness: A Documentary and Reference Guide
This one-volume reference guide uses primary documents to analyze the history of homelessness from 1790 to present day. Well organized and current, it provides an overview of the history of homelessness, defines the term and its people, and supports each explanation with relevant real-life examples. Includes further reading recommendations by subject, photographs, a guide to primary documents and sidebars, a bibliography, and an index. [This book is also available as an EBSCO ebook.]
Shumsky, N. L. (2012). Homelessness: A documentary and reference guide. Santa Barbara, Calif: Greenwood.
This one-volume reference guide uses primary documents to analyze the history of homelessness from 1790 to present day. Well organized and current, it provides an overview of the history of homelessness, defines the term and its people, and supports each explanation with relevant real-life examples. Includes further reading recommendations by subject, photographs, a guide to primary documents and sidebars, a bibliography, and an index. [This book is also available as an EBSCO ebook.]
Shumsky, N. L. (2012). Homelessness: A documentary and reference guide. Santa Barbara, Calif: Greenwood.
Homelessness Handbook
Approaching homelessness as a social problem to be solved, this one-volume handbook contains short essays arranged by topics such as homelessness in the past, our homeless neighbors, how others see the homeless, lifestyle issues, homelessness in U.S. cities, and preventing and alleviating homelessness. Includes photographs, quotations, glossary, directory, index, and further reading.
Levinson, D., & Ross, M. (2007). Homelessness handbook. Great Barrington, Mass: Berkshire Publ. Group.
Approaching homelessness as a social problem to be solved, this one-volume handbook contains short essays arranged by topics such as homelessness in the past, our homeless neighbors, how others see the homeless, lifestyle issues, homelessness in U.S. cities, and preventing and alleviating homelessness. Includes photographs, quotations, glossary, directory, index, and further reading.
Levinson, D., & Ross, M. (2007). Homelessness handbook. Great Barrington, Mass: Berkshire Publ. Group.
Circulating Books
Modern Homelessness: A Reference Handbook
This general reference text overviews the social issue of homelessness from defining the problem historically to analysis of current solutions. Unique features include a chronology of key events of the last decade, biographies of influential individuals, and bibliographies which highlighting web-based resources. Also includes a glossary, directories, and an index. [This book is also available as an EBSCO ebook.]
Hombs, M. E. (2011). Modern homelessness: A reference handbook. Santa Barbara, Calif: ABC-CLIO.
Down & Out, on the Road: The Homeless in American
History
This book offers one of the most comprehensive histories of homelessness in America available, from the colonial period to the late twentieth century. Includes photographs, an appendix, notes, and an index with cross references. [This book is also available as an EBSCO ebook.]
Kusmer, K. L. (2002). Down & out, on the road: The homeless in American history. New York: Oxford University Press.
This book offers one of the most comprehensive histories of homelessness in America available, from the colonial period to the late twentieth century. Includes photographs, an appendix, notes, and an index with cross references. [This book is also available as an EBSCO ebook.]
Kusmer, K. L. (2002). Down & out, on the road: The homeless in American history. New York: Oxford University Press.
Beside the Golden Door: Policy, Politics, and the Homeless
This book gives an accessible introduction to the complex social issues behind homelessness. The affects of poverty and policy decisions on homelessness are key themes. Though an older text, its readable writing style and clear overview still has use for undergraduates and above. Includes references and an index.
Wright, J. D., Rubin, B. A., & Devine, J. A. (1998). Beside the golden door: Policy, politics, and the homeless. New York: Aldine de
Gruyter.
This book gives an accessible introduction to the complex social issues behind homelessness. The affects of poverty and policy decisions on homelessness are key themes. Though an older text, its readable writing style and clear overview still has use for undergraduates and above. Includes references and an index.
Wright, J. D., Rubin, B. A., & Devine, J. A. (1998). Beside the golden door: Policy, politics, and the homeless. New York: Aldine de
Gruyter.