LWVMM - Homelessness Awareness
Types of homelessness
Four types of homelessness have been defined in the United States:
Transitional homelessness:
This homelessness can occur as a result of a major life change or catastrophic event. This is a job loss, a health problem, divorce, domestic battery, substance abuse, personal or family crisis, or family rejection, resulting in a person being unhoused for less than a year. These individuals tend to be younger and may even have employment but can’t financially meet housing or other living expenses. These individuals comprise approximately 8% of the homeless. Approximately 550,000 individuals under the age of 24 and 380,000 under the age of 18 experience homelessness every year.
Episodic homelessness:
These individuals are currently unhoused and having experienced at least three periods of homelessness within the last 12 months.
Chronic homelessness:
These are unaccompanied homeless individuals with a disabling condition who have been homeless for more than one year. It is most common in individuals with a disability, mental illness, addiction, or other debilitating condition. These individuals make up about 17% of the homeless population and tend to be unhoused, living in places that are not suitable or safe.
Hidden homelessness:
This refers to individuals who temporarily live with friends, family, or neighbors, because they lack the means of supporting themselves. They also lack access to housing support resources.