What Is Homeless?

The term Homeless refers to people without a permanent, safe and decent place to live. It’s a complicated issue with many causes. People who are homeless may have an illness, lack the income needed to secure housing, or have a serious relationship breakdown. They may also be living in substandard housing that puts them at risk for poor health, exposure to the elements and unsafe shelter. They may not have reliable means of transportation or access to services like food banks and medical care. It is important to understand these nuances and be able to offer meaningful help.

There is a broad consensus among scholars, policymakers and communities that it is vital to tackle homelessness. There is a growing recognition that the problem is complex and must be addressed by multiple agencies with diverse expertise. Grassroots groups aim to break stereotyped images of homeless people as weak and hapless or defiant criminals and drug addicts, and ensure that their voices are heard by those who make public policy.

Homeless people are more likely to be affected by poverty, violence and mental illness than the general population. They are also more likely to be exposed to unhealthy environments and a variety of environmental conditions that can put them at greater risk for disease, including mold, vermin and insects. They are less likely to have regular access to health care and more likely to fall behind on their education. This can create a cycle of poverty and dependence that can lead to more chronic homelessness, and is particularly hard on children.

While there are a number of ways to become homeless, the vast majority do not choose this path on their own. In fact, most are forced into homelessness by a negative life event, such as losing a job or the death of a loved one. Others are evicted from their homes by landlords who no longer wish to rent to them, or have been unable to sell their property.

Despite the wide recognition of the need to address homelessness, there is a gap in knowledge about the characteristics and needs of those who are homeless. For example, much of the current research on homelessness is based on urban areas and has focused on single adults with limited attention to other subpopulations, including youths, women, and those with a disability or who are elderly. There is a similar paucity of information on rural and suburban populations and on the experiences of those who are homeless across regions.

It is possible to reduce the number of Americans experiencing homelessness by addressing the root causes and improving the availability of affordable housing, adequate health care, employment opportunities, and education. Ultimately, we need to build a system that addresses all of these issues at once, while ensuring that those who do experience homelessness have clear pathways to stability and prosperity. A full solution to homelessness will take a holistic approach that combines prevention with rapid response and community engagement.