The civil rights of homeless people : law, social policy, and social work practice

A disturbing backlash against homeless people has emerged in cities across the United States in the past two years. Cities that have a record of providing generous services and supports to homeless people are becoming increasingly hostile to them. Pressured by small groups of anti-homeless business people and residents, even many liberal people who formerly expressed sympathy for the plight of the homeless are now proclaiming their "compassion fatigue." They feel justified that their former compassion has given way to impatiences, frustrations, and even anger toward homeless people.