Defining What It Really Means To Be Homeless Under HUD Guidelines

Written By: Erica Stokes, BASoc, MAC
Homelessness is a serious issue that affects many people in different ways. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defines homelessness under four categories to help identify those in need of support. These categories include literally homeless, imminent risk of homelessness, homeless under other federal statutes, and fleeing domestic violence. Understanding these categories—and the real-life situations people face—can help communities better assist individuals and families struggling with housing insecurity.
The first category, literally homeless, includes individuals and families who have no permanent place to live and often stay in places that are not meant for people to live in, such as the streets, cars, abandoned buildings, or emergency shelters (HUD, 2023). For example, James, a 42-year-old veteran, sleeps under a bridge because he has no family to help him and cannot afford rent. Another example is Maria, a single mother who stays in her car with her two children after being evicted from her apartment. Without a stable home, people in this category face extreme hardship and need immediate support.
The second category, imminent risk of homelessness, refers to individuals and families who are about to lose their home within 14 days and have no other options for housing. These individuals may not be homeless yet, but they are on the verge of losing their stability (HUD, 2023). Lisa, for example, is a waitress who recently received an eviction notice after falling behind on rent due to unexpected medical expenses. With no family or financial support, she worries she and her son will have nowhere to go. Similarly, Daniel, a 60-year-old man, rents a room in a boarding house, but the landlord has given him two weeks to move out because the house is being sold. He struggles to find another affordable place in time. People in this situation often need financial assistance and housing programs to prevent them from becoming homeless.
The third category, homeless under other federal statutes, applies mainly to children and youth who do not have a stable place to live and are constantly moving due to poverty or family problems. This category includes young people who stay with different friends or relatives because they have nowhere else to go (HUD, 2023). Jordan, a high school senior, has been couch-surfing at different friends’ houses since his parents were arrested. With no stable home, he struggles to focus on school and his future. Another example is the Thompson family, who lost their home and now live in a motel, paid for by temporary assistance. Because they have no permanent housing, their children are considered homeless under federal law. This category highlights the struggles of young people and families who may not be living on the streets but still lack a stable, long-term place to call home.
The fourth category, fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, includes individuals who leave their homes due to abuse, stalking, or violence and have no other safe place to stay (HUD, 2023). For example, Emily, a 29-year-old mother, escapes from her abusive partner with her two children. She stays in a domestic violence shelter because she has no family nearby and fears for their safety. Similarly, Aiden, a college student, experiences stalking and harassment from a former partner. Feeling unsafe, he leaves his dorm and sleeps in his car while searching for a secure place to stay. Survivors of domestic violence often need emergency housing and support services to help them rebuild their lives safely.
Understanding these four categories of homelessness is important because it helps communities and organizations provide the right kind of support to those in need. Whether someone is living on the streets, at risk of eviction, staying with friends, or fleeing violence, there are programs available to help. By recognizing the different ways homelessness affects people, we can work together to find solutions that lead to safe, stable housing for everyone.
For more information on homelessness and assistance programs, visit HUD’s Homeless Assistance page.
Reference
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2023). Homeless emergency assistance and rapid transition to housing (HEARTH): Defining “homeless” final rule. https://www.hudexchange.info/resource/1928/hearth-defining-homeless-final-rule/