Is homelessness a serious problem? -- Chapter preface -- Homelessness is a widespread problem / National Student Campaign Against Hunger & Homelessness -- The problem of homelessness is exaggerated / Mike Rosen -- Rural homelessness is a serious problem / Randal C. Archibold -- Homelessness is a serious problem faced by U.S. military veterans / National Coalition for Homeless Veterans -- Homelessness is a serious problem among foster children / Kevin Fagan -- Homelessness is a serious problem for gay youths abandoned by their families / Frank Mok -- Periodical bibliography -- What factors contribute to causes of homelessness? -- Chapter preface -- Multiple factors contribute to homelessness / National Coalition for the Homeless -- Substance abuse and homelessness are linked / Diana Mahoney -- The mentally ill are vulnerable to homelessness / Harvard Mental Health Letter -- Domestic violence often leads to homelessness / American Civil Liberties Union -- American wars create homelessness / Coalition for the Homeless -- Welfare reform increases homelessness / Francis X. Clines -- Periodical bibliography -- What housing policies will benefit the homeless? -- Chapter preface -- Housing is a human right / Rene Heyback and Patricia Nix-Hodes -- Housing is not a human right / Michael Tanner -- Housing vouchers benefit low-income families / Margery Austin Turner -- Housing vouchers do not benefit low-income families / Howard Husock -- Permanent housing will reduce chronic homelessness / Christian Science Monitor -- Programs that focus on chronic homelessness will hurt homeless families / Gloria M. Guard -- Periodical bibliography -- What policies will best reduce homelessness? -- Chapter preface -- Government initiatives can reduce homelessness / Philip Mangano -- Government initiatives will not reduce homelessness / John Derbyshire -- Housing vouchers will help homeless Hurricane Katrina victims / Bruce Katz and Mark Muro -- Vouchers are inadequate to help many homeless Hurricane Katrina victims / Greg Anrig -- People should give money to panhandlers / Reggie Rivers -- People should not give money to panhandlers / Brad Edmonds -- Periodical bibliography.