Cities Prop Up Homeless Camps

'Hoovervilles' return as recession forces thousands from homes

(NEWSER) - Cities across the country are struggling to deal with mushrooming shantytowns, reports the New York Times. In a chilling echo of the Great Depression, tent cities are springing up on vacant lots in smaller cities, while homeless encampments in larger cities are burgeoning as more and more people lose their jobs and homes. More»

Homeless population up 15% in year

(NEWSER) - The sound of waves crashing, spectacular views, white sand between your toes: Such is life for the hundreds of homeless flocking to Hawaii's shores, where the medical and dental care is free, and hey, you're not under a bridge in Detroit in January. With the homeless population up 15% over last year at a cost of $35,000 a head—and worries that tents on the beach will drive away tourists—the state is resorting to buying them one-way tickets to their home state. More»

Woman, father were behind ordinances that forced abusers under bridge

(NEWSER) - The homeless sex offenders who live under Miami’s infamous Julia Tuttle Causeway aren't quick to thank two of their most diligent advocates for working on their behalf. “They know who we are, and don’t like us very much,” says Lauren Book-Lim. Book-Lim was sexually abused by her nanny from age 11 through age 17, and her lobbyist father, Ron Book, helped push through the ordinances that forced many of these men from their homes. More»

(NEWSER) - Millions of Americans had lost their homes long before subprime crisis plunged the nation into economic peril. Recognizing the plight of the homeless, The Nation offers 10 tips for street survival:

• Try to relieve passersby of their misconceptions without internalizing their cruel remarks. "Let go of your pride—but hold on to your dignity."

Recession forces middle-income families into uncomfortable new quarters

(NEWSER) - As the economy leaves people without the income they need to afford a mortgage or monthly rent, more and more families find themselves checking into motels for indefinite stays. While they may be a step above homeless shelters, motels bring with them a unique set of problems as long-term stopgaps, the New York Times reports. More»