The findings demonstrated that homeless persons are most interested in assistance with housing, jobs, and economic benefits. Three explanations of variance in service interests are presented. The absolute needs theory holds that service interests vary directly with service needs; the repressed needs theory holds that service interests vary inversely with alcoholism and mental illness; the relative needs theory holds that interest in health-related services may be related to health needs but will be expressed only after basic needs are met. The regression analysis of interest in health services yielded the strongest support for the absolute needs theory. These findings begin to lay the foundation required to develop service policies and programs in which homeless persons will be willing to participate. 3 tables and 20 references