The authors assert that twenty years of economic restructuring, the dismantling of the welfare state, demographic changes, and the collapse of affordable housing markets have led to the current crisis of homelessness. Using the example of Los Angeles, this book examines the impact of two decades of welfare cutbacks and economic dislocation at the local level. The authors describe the local community reactions to homeless persons, including NIMBY reactions. Personal accounts of homelessness are included. The authors describe the social networks among homeless presons and examine the need for integrated support services - including housing, health, job training, and substance abuse counseling (authors).