Homelessness From the 1930s To 1990s

Paper Summary:

Modern homelessness is marked by increased visibility of the homeless population. In past decades, homeless people could, at minimum, secure housing on an intermittent basis. Today, "street people," homeless persons living in doorways, under bridges, and in cardboard boxes are common sights in cities big and small. Whereas in the 1930s, homelessness was viewed as a temporary condition, many of the modern homeless constitute an underclass permanently stuck at the bottom rung of society.

From the Paper:

"Modern homelessness is marked by increased visibility of the homeless population. In past decades, homeless people could, at minimum, secure housing on an intermittent basis. Today, "street people," homeless persons living in doorways, under bridges, and in cardboard boxes are common sights in cities big and small. Whereas in the 1930s, homelessness was viewed as a temporary condition, many of the modern homeless constitute an underclass permanently stuck at the bottom rung of society.

By the early 1930s the characteristics of the homeless population had experienced dramatic change, and this change was most evident in the skid row areas of cities. During its pre-1930s zenith, skid row had evolved into a community form with a distinctive energy and flavor: "Skid rows were employment centers, recreational areas, supply and outfitting places, homes..."

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