What does it mean to be homeless? 

 

There is no homogeneous conclusion to what is means to be homeless. It depends on policies in the specific countries and what the commonly agreeable conditions for a good life are.

 

Some define ‘being homeless’ as only people, who sleep in the streets, in basements or stairways or other places not suited for sleeping. But for many organisations working within the field of homelessness, this definition is to narrow.

 

Many believe that if a person does not have a home, which they formally can call their own – meaning that they either own it or rent it - then they are homeless. This also means that all the persons staying in shelters or reception centres, prisons or hospitals without a home to return to, then they should be considered homeless too.

 

When sticking to this definition, then adults who are staying for a shorter or longer period of time at a friend’s house or staying with family should also be considered homeless.