The opening of the work introduces the subject matter and the motivations behind the investigation into homelessness within urban society. It discusses the historical context of the hobo as a social type that emerged from the migration and challenges faced by solitary men in a rapidly industrializing city. The text outlines the project's aim, detailing the environment in which these homeless men exist and acknowledging the complex interplay between personal choices and societal forces that contribute to their circumstances. Anderson's insights reveal a vibrant yet troubled community, emphasizing how social dynamics shape individual lives and the collective identity of the "hobo" class. (This is an automatically generated summary.)