Each title in the highly acclaimed Opposing Viewpoints series explores a specific issue by placing expert opinions in a unique pro/con format; the viewpoints are selected from a wide range of highly respected and often hard-to-find publications.; This addition to the popular Opposing Viewpoints series discusses issues related to homelessness. Through a balanced collection of articles from a variety of sources, the title explores the seriousness of America's homeless problem; factors that contribut; "Each volume in the Opposing Viewpoints Series could serve as a model...not only providing access to a wide diversity of opinions, but also stimulating readers to do further research for group discussion and individual interest. Both shrill and moderate, th

A moving collection of spontaneous, lightly and unedited poems and short prose pieces written by nearly fifty women, most of whom are homeless or formerly homeless. Julie Gardner leads weekly writing workshops using the Amherst Writers & Artists (AWA) practices in workshops at Mary's Place, a day shelter in Seattle, WA. Mary's Place works to empower homeless women, children and families to reclaim their lives; writing is one of the programs that helps women to heal as they work to create new lives. In the foreword, Pat Schneider, founder of AWA, challenges readers to consider the way we understand art. She says, "Original Voices" is about revolution. It dares to value voices that have not only been excluded from our definitions of literary art; they have been excluded from acceptance across all of the lines of ordinary human dialogue." Gardner, in her introduction, shares a personal story, how she experienced and overcame culture shock after moving from the Midwest to downtown Seattle where homeless people became some of her new "neighbors." Gardner hopes readers will gain a better understanding and appreciation for each woman, each woman's writing, and women at Mary's Place and elsewhere who have experienced or are experiencing homelessness. Information is provided about Mary's Place, a "typical" writing workshop and about Amherst Writers & Artists and AWA practices. Book proceeds will benefit women and writing at Mary's Place.

This volume explores many aspects of homelessness. Readers will evaluate the causes of homelessness, the effectiveness of government programs that target homelessness, and how new legislation will impact this situation. Readers are presented with opinions from a wide range of sources in a pro versus con format. Essay sources include The Christian Science Monitor, Policy Priorities, Melinda Henneberger, and Michelle Chen.