TY - JOUR PY - 2007// TI - Homelessness in Europe and the United States: A Comparison of Prevalence and Public Opinion JO - Journal of Social Issues A1 - Toro, Paul A. A1 - Tompsett, Carolyn J. A1 - Lombardo, Sylvie A1 - Philippot, Pierre A1 - Nachtergael, Hilde A1 - Galand, Benoit A1 - Schlienz, Natascha A1 - Stammel, Nadine A1 - Yabar, Yanélia A1 - Blume, Marc A1 - MacKay, Linda A1 - Harvey, Kate SP - 505 EP - 524 VL - 63 IS - 3 N2 - Random samples of 250–435 adults were interviewed by telephone in five different nations (N= 1,546): Belgium, Germany, Italy, the UK, and the United States. The interview included questions on respondent attitudes, knowledge, and opinions regarding homelessness; respondents' own personal experiences with homelessness and homeless people; and demographic characteristics of the respondents. The highest rates for lifetime literal homelessness were found in the UK (7.7%) and United States (6.2%), with the lowest rate in Germany (2.4%), and intermediate rates in Italy (4.0%) and Belgium (3.4%). Less compassionate attitudes toward the homeless were also found on many dimensions in the United States and the UK. Possible explanations of these findings, drawn from various theoretical perspectives, and policy implications are provided.

LA - en SN - 0022-4537 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4560.2007.00521.x ID - ref1 ER -