Social Work leaders in the field highlight programs serving homeless families and individuals; frame the connection between social work education and practice; and emphasize the difference that professional social workers make in the lives of homeless people.

Frederick Shack, LMSW, Executive Director of Urban Pathways, Inc. had this to say about homelessness in NYC: "New York has invested more time, money, and human capital than any other city in the country to address this crisis; yet, it still persists"

Selected demographic trends in homelessness in NYC are summarized below:

• As of December 9. 2005, the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) counted 32,096 homeless individuals in the shelter system; 12,447 were children;

• From 1990 to 2002, the number of unique homeless families in the Department of Homeless Services' shelters increased by 44%.

• School-age children (6-11 years) in shelters grew from 25% of the population in 1998 to more than 30% in 2002.

• Since 1998, the family shelter population was comprised of African American (60-65%); Latinos (30-35%); and less than 5% Whites.

Source: "Emerging Trends in CLient Demographics: Policy and Planning" (http://www.nyc.gov/html/dhs/)

Envisioning a Career Path for Professionals: The Power of MSW Education for Practice in Homeless Services

By: Susan Nayowith, LCSW, PhD; Director, Office of Client Advocacy, NYC Department of Homeless Services; Adjunct faculty, Columbia University SSW; former Member, Executive Committee, NASW-NYC Board of Directors (January 2006)

Homelessness - a Myriad of Challenges: Focus Group on Social Work with Homeless People Highlights Complex Stories  (January 2006)

Making Homelessness History:  Innovative Strategies to Reduce Homelessness in NYC

By: Mary Anne Schretzman, DSW, LCSW; Deputy COmmissioner of Policy and Planning, NYC Department of Homeless Services (January 2006)

Professional Standard - Framing the Work with Homeless People: The Center for Urban Community Services

By: Tony Hannigan, LMSW; Executive Director, Center for Urban Community Services (January 2006)

Prevention is the Key: Ending Family Homelessness in NYC

By: Frederick Shack, LMSW; Executive Director, Urban Pathways, Inc. (January 2006)

The Future of Social Work in the Field of Homelessness: Prevention and Aftercare

By: Vivian Louie, MSW; Assistant Commissioner, Prevention Services, NYC Department of Homeless Services (January 2006)