Citation

Collin RW. J. Plann. Lit. 1992; 7(1): 22-37.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1992, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/088541229200700102

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Homelessness is a condition characterized by shelter insecurity, societal disaffiliation, and human suffering. It is a growing problem, spreading from our urban centers to our exurban landscape. It is also a complex problem, both in origin and solution. Since the late 1970s there has been a surge of media coverage, research, legislation, and litigation regarding homelessness. Much of the research has been done by planners and planning academics. The planning literature on homelessness from the 1980s has set the stage for the research, literature, and public policy concerning homelessness in the 1990s. This article reviews the major early planning reports and the planning literature in terms of the definition of homelessness, its causes, and the short- and long-term solutions to it. Included are discussions about the politicization of the homeless count and the 1990 census. Undeveloped areas of planning research on homelessness are also presented.