This article reports on a study of 444 homeless persons in Richmond,
Virginia, that examined the relationships among homelessness and
gender; current and past problems; and various demographic characteristics. The findings support the general theory that a significant
proportion of homeless men and women drift down into their current
situation after a history of crime, substance abuse, or mental illness.
However, the path that leads to homelessness differs according to
gender. Thus, men are likely to become homeless after years of crime
and alcohol abuse, whereas women are likely to have taken the path of
abusing nonprescription drugs. The implications of these findings for
the development of policies and services are discussed from a feminist
perspective.
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