Homeless shelter directors in two southern states were surveyed to asc
ertain their perceptions of factors that help or hinder homeless, moth
er-headed families in emerging from homelessness. Respondents believed
that mothers' attitudes and motivation were the most important factor
s in getting and keeping housing and that lack of social supports and
relationship difficulties were the most significant problems families
faced in their attempts to emerge from homelessness. Scarce housing wa
s seen as the most significant barrier within the community. me findin
gs are compared with findings from other studies, and explanations for
differing results are presented, me author discusses the implications
of the findings for service providers and communities in light of rec
ent welfare-reform legislation.