Homelessness in Champaign-Urbana: A Report by the Research Task Force on the Homeless

Segal, Elizabeth A.; Barnett, Debbie; Brzuzy, Stephanie; Hansen, Jennifer; Kennedy, Mark; Kroopkin, Debbie

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/46359 Copy

Description

Title

Homelessness in Champaign-Urbana: A Report by the Research Task Force on the Homeless

Author(s)

• Segal, Elizabeth A.
• Barnett, Debbie
• Brzuzy, Stephanie
• Hansen, Jennifer
• Kennedy, Mark
• Kroopkin, Debbie

Issue Date

1986

Keyword(s)

• Homelessness
• Champaign, Illinois
• Urbana, Illinois

Abstract

"This research study grew out of an interest in the problem of homelessness in this community, and a simultaneous discovery that very little data existed in a comprehensive form. Students, under the auspices of a community analysis course (University of Illinois School of Social Work at Urbana), chose to analyze the conditions, services, and needs of the homeless population in Champaign-Urbana. The goal of this project \vas twofold: to identify the extent and dimensions of the problem, and to make a contribution to the service delivery system by publicizing the resources available and furthering the development of a service network. In the process of this research, it became clear that the Champaign-Urbana community is witnessing an increase in the incidence of homelessness and as a result, a necessary expansion of services. In addition, there is a growing population of ""near-homeless"" people. The near-homeless are those who have a permanent residence, but with the onset of a financial, medical or personal crisis would quickly find themselves without a home. This report outlines such findings, analyzes how these characteristics compare to larger urban areas, and proposes directions for future work. The research process was conducted by a team which divided the various tasks. Most data were gathered from field observations and interviews with homeless individuals and key people involved in the service delivery system. In addition, records of service use were obtained from shelters to estimate the extent and demographic characteristics of the homeless population. This report represents three months (September-December, 1986) of interviewing, information gathering, and data processing by a team of students under the direction of the instructor."

Publisher

School of Social Work. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Type of Resource

text

Language

en

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/46359

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 1986 Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois.

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