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Due to various barriers that keep homeless people away from regular work, a considerable proportion of them resort to day labor or subsistence “work,” such as peddling and panhandling, to earn income. Using the National Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients (NSHAPC) data, this study compares the personal characteristics of currently homeless and nonhomeless persons and examines how demographic characteristics, physical health and mental health problems, and substance abuse affect the employment status and income-earning approaches of homeless assistance clients. It finally provides suggestions for public assistance programs and future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]