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The civil rights of homeless people |
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 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.
Some who once volunteered in soup kitches and shelters are now engaged in campaigns to restrict service provisions and prohibit begging and the use of public spaces by homeless people. Service providers report a sharp drop in volunteers and donations for all programs that serve homeless people.
This growing anti-homeless vehemence has resulted in a rash of local ordinances intended to criminalize homeless people by sweeping the off the streets or public parks, prohibiting begging, sleeping, sitting or loitering in public places. Local governments and citizen groups have also attempted to reduce or eliminate services to the homeless.
| Description |
Stoner's new book examines the collaboration between the human services and legal professions, as both deal with the complex and interrelated problems of homeless people. In surveying numerous class action lawsuits tried on behalf of the homeless, the author takes up such client-centered issues as rights to housing, minimum standards of health and welfare, education, family preservation, education, and voting. Her book will assist practitioners in their advocacy on behalf of homeless clients, while serving as a text for courses in social policy formulation and implementation. |
| Type |
Book |
| Author |
Madeleine Stoner |
| Place |
New York |
| Publisher |
Aldine de Gruyter |
| Date |
1995 |
| ISBN |
9780202305134 |
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Publications