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This book explores in detail the concept of homelessness by examining the dynamics of shelter living and the financial costs in comparison to the psychological costs to the children and the family. A comparison is made with housed low-income families to highlight the fact that homelessness, outside of poverty, does play a key role in the negative outcomes of homeless children and families. Psychological well-being is defined with behavioral outcomes and self-concept while family functioning is defined with parenting dimensions, family environment and social supports. Strong recommendations are made for program implementations to provide a comprehensive response to the needs of homeless families with children.(Ph.D. dissertation, University of Maryland 1997; revised with new preface, bibliography, and index)