Down and Out, on the Road: The Homeless in American History

by Kenneth L. Kusmer

Covering the entire period from the colonial era to the late twentieth century, this book is the first scholarly history of the homeless in America. Drawing on sources that include records of charitable organizations, sociological studies, and numerous memoirs of formerly homeless persons, Kusmer demonstrates that the homeless have been a significant presence on the American scene for over two hundred years. He probes the history of homelessness from a variety of angles, showing why people become homeless; how charities and public authorities dealt with this social problem; and the diverse ways in which different class, ethnic, and racial groups perceived and responded to homelessness. Kusmer demonstrates that, despite the common perception of the homeless as a deviant group, they have always had much in common with the average American.
Focusing on the millions who suffered downward mobility, Down and Out, On the Road provides a unique view of the evolution of American society and raises disturbing questions about the repeated failure to face and solve the problem of homelessness.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History

360 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Brian Quigley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book some years ago and it completely re-shaped my idea about the land of plenty and the "dream". The reality is much different when you are constantly confronted by homeless people begging for spare change or when you go jogging here on the American river in Sacramento and see more and more homeless camps hidden away in the bushes. This book will change your perspective on how history is presented in the classroom. The US government currently estimates that there are over 600,000 homeless people in the US (more than the population of Luxembourg!). This book provides some insights into why homelessness is an inexorable part of human history and is likely to get worse as the population continues to explode across the world.

[Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was very interesting, but exceptionally dry. The author made some interesting observations. For example, post-WWII, the homeless population was predominantly older white males. It was not until the 1980s and 1990s that the demographics changed so drastically, and now, it is predominantly minorities, and in particular, African American single mothers. I didn't finish this book, but would definitely pick it up again if I wanted to refer back to some of the arguments presented.

[York · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sympathetic and just-detailed-enough account of homelessness, mostly focusing on the century between Reconstruction and the failed efforts of the war on poverty in the 1970s.

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic read on homelessness from the beginning of our country to the present. Wow. This is where I learned of the FTS, the New Deal Federal Transient Serivce that, my god, treated homeless people with respect and dignity while helping them get back on their feet!

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great overview of American homelessness from the Civil War hobo to the prewar tramp and the postwar skid row denizen. Definitely worth picking up if walking down an American city street you've ever wondered if it has always been this way (it hasn't) and whether it always will be.

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not exactly riveting reading, but a very good source of information about homelessness in America from colonial times to the present, and our continued avoidance of the issues behind most of it.

[Pearl Flowers]

Great Book, lots of history