Homelessness is one of the major social problems and personal and family tragedies of the contemporary world. No community, city, or nation is immune and the lack of affordable housing and a decline in secure, well-paying jobs means that the problem will only get worse. "The Encyclopedia of Homelessness" is the first systematic effort to organize and summarize what we know about thus complex topic which impacts not only the homeless but all of society. "The Encyclopedia" whilst focussing on the current situation in the United States, ensures an international perspective by including a comparative sampling of homelessness from around the world.Articles cover: causes; lifestyle issues; health issues and services; history; legal issues and advocacy; government policies and programs; organizations; research approaches; service systems and settings; size and characteristics of the homeless population; public perceptions of homelessness; and, world issues and perspectives. Additional descriptive articles cover homelessness today in a sample of American cities and a sample of cities and nations of the world, allowing for quick and easy comparisons." The Encyclopedia" contains entries on Australia, Brazil, Canada, Cuba, France, Guatemala, Japan, Nigeria, Russia, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Zimbabwe, Tokyo, Calcutta, London and others from around the world. "The Encyclopedia of Homelessness" meets the needs of a broad audience, offering a rich history and the data, views, and perspectives of experts from different disciplines and perspectives, including: sociologists; anthropologists; economists; historians; social policy analysts and planners; program administrators; physicians; social workers; lawyers who provide advocacy and services; journalists; and, students of history, social studies, and the social sciences in high school through graduate school.