What Dose "Homeless" Mean?

So, what is the definition of "homeless"?

Being homeless (I prefer the term "unhoused") means living without a stable, safe, or permanent place to call home. It includes people sleeping outdoors, in tents, cars, buses, or RVs; those staying in motels, abandoned buildings, or makeshift camps; and those spending nights on a friend’s couch or floor, moving from one place to another with no lasting security.  

Being unhoused isn’t just about the absence of four walls — it’s about the absence of peace, privacy, and belonging. It’s waking up each day uncertain where you’ll sleep next, or whether you’ll be safe when darkness falls.  

Each person who's unhoused carries a story — of loss, survival, strength, and hope. No one chooses to lose their home, and yet millions find themselves struggling against unimaginable odds, often invisible to the rest of the world. Recognizing what unhoused means recognizing our shared humanity, and remembering that every person deserves dignity, stability, and a place to rest.

Why do I prefer the word Unhoused?

I prefer using the word “unhoused” because it feels more human and respectful. The word “homeless” can sound heavy, almost defining a person by what they’ve lost. But being without housing doesn’t mean being without worth, identity, or hope.  

“Unhoused” reminds us that people aren’t broken — they’re simply living without a stable place to call home. It shifts the focus from what someone *is* to what they *deserve*: safety, dignity, and belonging.  

Check Out our RESOURCES FOR THE UNHOUSED - WINTER 2025-2026