Homelessness is a complex issue that affects many people across the United States. There are varying definitions of homelessness, which can make it difficult to get an accurate count of exactly how many people experience homelessness. This article will examine who is legally considered homeless according to the criteria set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
HUD Definition of Homelessness
According to HUD, a person is considered homeless if they:
- Lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence
- Have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not meant for human habitation
- Are living in a publicly or privately operated shelter designated to provide temporary living arrangements (including hotels and motels paid for by federal, state, or local government programs for low-income individuals or by charitable organizations)
- Are exiting an institution where (s)he has resided for 90 days or less and who resided in an emergency shelter or place not meant for human habitation immediately before entering that institution
This broad definition encompasses people living on the streets, in shelters, or transitional housing. It also includes people who are “doubled up,” meaning they are living with friends or family temporarily due to economic hardship.
Key Factors in the HUD Definition
There are a few key factors in HUD’s definition of homelessness:
- Lack of fixed, regular, and adequate residence – Having housing that is not stable or sufficient to meet needs.
- Residence not meant for habitation – Living in places like cars, abandoned buildings, bus/train stations.
- Temporarily living in shelters or transitional housing – Shelters and transitional housing count as homelessness even though they provide temporary places to stay.
- Imminent loss of housing – People who are extremely low income and at risk of losing housing may qualify as homeless.
Meeting any one of these criteria means someone is considered homeless under HUD’s definition. The definition is intentionally broad to account for various circumstances, but generally refers to those without stable and sufficient housing.
Who is Included in the HUD Definition?
Many different groups are legally considered homeless according to HUD’s definition:
- Individuals – Single adults, including those fleeing or attempting to flee violence. For example, victims of domestic violence or youth who have run away from home.
- Families – Households with adults and children. This includes single-parent families led by either mothers or fathers.
- Unaccompanied youth – Minors who are not in the custody of a parent or guardian, including runaways and those forced out of their home.
- LGBTQ+ individuals – Those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer/questioning are at increased risk of homelessness.
- Veterans – Veterans are more likely than non-veterans to experience homelessness.
- Victims of violence – People fleeing domestic violence or other violent situations often become homeless.
- People with disabilities – Mental illness, chronic health issues, and disabilities increase vulnerability to homelessness.
- Low-income workers – Individuals employed in low-wage jobs may lack sufficient income to afford housing.
While single men make up a significant portion of the homeless population, people of all ages, races, ethnicities, and genders experience homelessness.
Who is Excluded from the HUD Definition?
There are also some groups who are not considered homeless under HUD’s definition:
- People living with relatives permanently due to cultural factors or preference.
- College students temporarily staying in dorms.
- People residing in jails, prisons, hospitals or other institutions for 90 days or more.
- Individuals evicted from housing but who have found another residence.
- Those “couch surfing” or doubling up with others out of preference rather than necessity.
The key exclusions are those who have access to adequate, stable housing even if it is not an ideal arrangement. There must be an element of instability or impermanence to the housing situation for it to qualify as homelessness under HUD.
Why the HUD Definition Matters
HUD’s definition determines eligibility for federally funded homeless assistance programs. These programs provide services such as:
- Emergency shelter
- Transitional housing
- Rapid re-housing
- Supportive services
- Homelessness prevention
Only those who meet the criteria set forth by HUD qualify for programs that receive funding through sources like the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. The definition provides the basis for determining who is considered legally homeless and therefore eligible for assistance.
However, some argue the definition is too limited and excludes groups like those doubling up with family or friends. Critics say it should be expanded to provide support to a greater number of people struggling with their housing situation.
Getting an Accurate Homeless Count
Due to the complex nature of homelessness, getting an accurate count can be challenging. Methods used include:
- Point-in-Time Counts – One night annual count of both sheltered and unsheltered homeless populations.
- Annual Homeless Assessment Report – Yearly report to Congress on homelessness based on Point-in-Time counts and other data.
- Continuum of Care Counts – Local counts done by Continuums of Care (CoCs).
- Longitudinal systems analysis – Using data over time to estimate numbers.
These different methods balance getting a snapshot in time versus capturing long-term trends. However, advocates caution that even combined, the available data likely underestimates the total number of people experiencing homelessness.
Key Statistics on Homelessness in the U.S.
According to the most recently reported national statistics:
- In 2022, roughly 582,462 people experienced homelessness on a single night.
- About 63% were individuals, 37% were families with children.
- Roughly 228,000 were unsheltered (living on the streets, in cars, etc).
- Veterans account for about 5-10% of the adult homeless population.
- About 40,000 unaccompanied youth experience homelessness on a single night.
These statistics help provide a snapshot of homelessness, though experts believe the numbers are likely higher in reality due to difficulties counting certain populations.
Homelessness by State
Homelessness affects every state, but some states have significantly larger populations of those experiencing homelessness. Here are the 10 states with the highest homeless populations according to 2022 Point-in-Time estimates:
| State | Estimated Homeless Population |
|---|---|
| California | 173,800 |
| New York | 93,000 |
| Florida | 42,600 |
| Texas | 34,800 |
| Washington | 31,700 |
| Massachusetts | 25,400 |
| Oregon | 20,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 17,100 |
| Nevada | 9,700 |
| Arizona | 9,600 |
The states with the most populous cities tend to have higher homeless populations, though the prevalence varies significantly by state. Climate and policies also impact homeless rates.
Homelessness by City
Homelessness is heavily concentrated in major urban areas. Here are the 10 U.S. cities with the largest homeless populations:
| City | Estimated Homeless Population |
|---|---|
| New York City | 77,743 |
| Los Angeles | 65,043 |
| Seattle | 11,139 |
| San Diego | 8,504 |
| Washington D.C. | 7,808 |
| Boston | 7,522 |
| San Francisco | 7,352 |
| Phoenix | 6,964 |
| Philadelphia | 6,842 |
| San Jose | 6,708 |
Large cities with expensive housing markets and significant income inequality tend to have the highest homeless rates. However, homelessness has been increasing at an alarming rate in many mid-sized cities as well.
Factors Leading to Homelessness
There are many interrelated factors that contribute to someone becoming homeless:
- Poverty – Job loss, low wages, income inequality can make attaining housing difficult.
- Lack of affordable housing – Availability of affordable homes has not kept up with demand.
- Unemployment – Lack of steady employment makes covering housing costs challenging.
- Mental illness – Deinstitutionalization increased homelessness among those with mental health issues.
- Substance abuse – Those with addiction issues are vulnerable to housing instability.
- Domestic violence – Abuse victims often must flee their homes to be safe.
- Incarceration – Those released from jails/prisons are at high risk of homelessness.
- Health crises – Serious illnesses can cause loss of income and housing.
Homelessness results from the complex interplay between housing affordability, income inequality, lack of health care and support services, and individual circumstances.
Solutions to Homelessness
Ending homelessness requires a multipronged approach. Proven strategies include:
- Expand affordable housing – Increasing availability of subsidized and low-cost housing.
- Increase affordable healthcare – Improving mental health care and support services.
- Create more living-wage jobs – Raising minimum wage and expanding workforce development.
- Integrate support services – Case management, life skills, counseling, etc.
- Prevent evictions/foreclosures – Rental/mortgage assistance and tenant protections.
- Prioritize Housing First – Providing housing before requiring sobriety/treatment.
- Fund emergency shelters – Expand capacity and resources for temporary shelter.
Tackling homelessness requires expanding affordable housing stock, increasing access to health care and support services, creating economic opportunity for low-income groups, and funding proven interventions like Housing First programs.
| Program Type | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent Supportive Housing | Subsidized housing with support services for those with disabilities. | Reduces days homeless by 80%. Improves housing retention. |
| Rapid Rehousing | Short-term rental assistance and rehousing services. | Over 80% retain housing after 6-12 months of assistance. |
| Housing First | Provides housing without prerequisites like employment or sobriety. | Increases housing retention. Reduces returns to homelessness. |
| Transitional Housing | Temporary supportive housing for up to 24 months. | 75% successfully move to permanent housing. |
These evidence-based interventions have proven successful at reducing and preventing homelessness for both individuals and families.
Conclusion
Homelessness is complex, affects diverse groups, and requires varied policy solutions. HUD’s definition provides the basis for determining who is legally considered homeless and eligible for assistance. While point-in-time counts offer a snapshot, getting fully accurate data is difficult. Still, hundreds of thousands of people experience homelessness across the nation on any given night. Combating homelessness requires expanding affordable housing, increasing economic opportunity, improving access to health care and support services, and funding interventions that have been empirically proven to help people transition out of homelessness. With smart policies and resources targeted to evidence-based solutions, homelessness can be significantly reduced and even ended. But it will take a coordinated effort across all levels of government, nonprofits, businesses, and communities to make sustainable progress.