ABSTRACT
The senseless tragedy of Rebecca Smith's death immediately prompted nationwide concern for the plight of the homeless. People and organizations are beginning to pay thoughtful attention to the problems of the homeless, and programs and services are emerging to meet the needs of this long neglected population. Concerned groups are organizing to provide an increasingly vocal advocacy network for coping with the needs of the homeless. The rapidly increasing number of homeless people in America poses a new challenge to cities all over the nation. The "feminization of poverty" has particular significance in the growing and shifting homeless population. Research conducted by the Vera Institute of Justice on user characteristics of homeless people in a women's shelter demonstrated that there is a direct link between such factors as evictions and lockouts and the consequence of homelessness. The women are younger, less educated, away from home for shorter periods of time, and they more frequently obtain income from legitimate sources.
