An Approach to the Skid Row Problem in Boston

Abstract

IN every city there are many men whose dominating drive and desire to drink have led them to an existence so submarginal that they represent a serious social, economic and health problem to all community-minded citizens. This paper discusses the characteristics of such alcoholic patients observed in the Long Island Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, and describes the rehabilitation program now operating at this hospital.These are homeless men. Whether high-born or low-born, intelligent or stupid, religious or agnostic, they have lost or abandoned all previous personal contacts, and drift alone through the rooming-house sections of Boston, such as the South End, . . .