The Almost Homeless

A recent report by the U. S. Conference of Mayors noted that "Homelessness is the greatest single problem facing poor children in New York City" (Daily News, Oct. 28, 1988). As more about the report was made public, it became evident that the poor face problems other than homelessness. These involve problems with child care, drugs, school dropout, jobs, and teenage pregnancy. But these same problems are experienced by many people with shelter, and this makes homelessness only one part of a much larger social problem. This essay will focus on the "almost homeless," low-income and working class neighborhoods of New York City. People living in such neighborhoods are related to the homeless in several ways. Some of the residents of such areas stand the risk of becoming homeless themselves, and the residents of these areas often object strongly to any proposed housing project that would benefit the homeless. Any solution to the problem of homelessness must confront and improve the living conditions in these marginal communities.