A review of the "early years" of homelessness in America begins with the colonial period and extends into the latter decades of the 1800's, when homelessness became a more institutionalized phenomenon with the emergence of Skid Row districts, and into the first decades of the 1900's as the Skid Row phenomenon became institutionalized in virtually every American city. Studies of the homeless during these periods, the first being McCook's 1893 study, are briefly reviewed in this article. A review of the survey studies of 1950-75 focus on trends in urban renewal and the displacement of Skid Rows. Relevant ethnographic studies extending back to the early 1900's are also summarized. A review of studies of the current "new homeless" with alcohol/drug problems focuses on the demise of Skid Row, the decriminalization of public drunkenness, and the deinstitutionalization movement in mental health. The study concludes that policies and programs to merge housing with therapeutic and social services during the recovery process must be a major priority in the 1990's. 5 notes, 108 references.