Characteristics and experiences of homeless adults: A comparison of single men, single women, and women with children

Abstract

Based on a broad sample of 228 homeless adults from throughout Buffalo, New York, single homeless women (n = 56), homeless women with children (n = 41), and single homeless men (n = 131) were compared on a wide range of measures with established reliability and validity. Based on total lifetime income from all sources, the poorest of the three groups was the women with children. The two groups of women reported greater psychological distress than the men, had more contact with family members, were more likely to have been recently assaulted, and were less likely to have a history of substance abuse or criminal behavior. Although the single men and women reported more stressful life events commonly associated with homelessness than the women with children, the measure used contained few items pertaining to child-rearing. The findings suggest that the three groups examined have different needs and require different interventions. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.