Homeless Women: Characteristics and Needs

Unlike the popular image of "bag ladies," the 186 women described in this article were homeless primarily because of economic and family problems. These women were interviewed, along with 793 homeless men, in a large statewide study of homeless people in Ohio. The study found that homeless women have a variety of characteristics and problems and that about one-half could be easily rehabilitated and about one-fifth need long-term care. The authors conclude that both individual and structural changes are essential to any solution to the problem of homelessness