Hope springs maternal : homeless mothers talk about making sense of adversity /

Gerson (sociology/social work, Lehman College) provides a qualitative study of 24 mothers living with children in New York City homeless shelters. Based on in-depth interviews and the life history approach, her book allows readers to experience the living reality of homeless mothers, mainly through their own voices. The life histories of these young single mothers of color are poignant and profound, heartrending and instructive. The author asks why mothers with children become homeless. After presenting biographical portraits of the mothers, Gerson focuses on their past lives and pathways to the shelter, and their perceptions and assessments of the shelter system. She analyzes their present lives inside the shelter system, their views on parenting and family, the multiple stressors they face, and how they cope with them. Gerson also explores the mothers' futures: how they envision their futures beyond the shelter, and their expectations and dreams for their children and themselves. The author offers recommendations for how social policies and laws could be used to best solve the problem of homelessness in the US. A timely, important contribution to the study of homeless mothers. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. All levels/libraries. D. A. Chekki emeritus, University of Winnipeg