The politics of homelessness. A call to action

This article reviews the problem of homelessness from the perspective of an advocate who has been working to change national policy. The Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, an important initial step supported by advocates and (now) political leaders, is described as providing too few resources and limited programs. An agenda for policy change is proposed to deal with the dual problems of rapidly dwindling low-cost housing and inadequate income among the poor and homeless. It is hoped that psychologists and other professionals will get actively involved in creating such policy change.