Leslie Miller

In the following viewpoint, Associated Press writer Leslie Miller discusses the effects of recent legislative reforms that reduce—and in some cases eliminate—welfare benefits to single mothers with children. Since these policies have been implemented, she writes, homeless shelters have been flooded with former welfare recipients. Miller states that, according to research studies, cuts in public assistance are responsible for the sharp increase in homelessness in r ecent
years.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. As cited by Miller, what two reasons for the increase in homelessness did the U.S. Conference of Mayors offer?
2. What percentage of welfare recipients became homeless after losing some or all of their benefits, according to the study conducted by Homes for the Homeless?

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