Written by Ally Tokioka
Edited by Mia Dimalanta
April 2, 2023
Homelessness is arguably one of the world’s most misunderstood epidemics. When one thinks of the word “homeless,” what comes to mind? An old man curled up in a sleeping bag on the side of the road? A mother begging at the corner of the intersection with her two kids for money? A sharpie-scribbled piece of bent, overused, cardboard pleading for help? The bottomline is, that we as a society often have these predetermined ideas of what a homeless individual looks like, and we often misconceive those who are affected by homelessness. We label them as lazy, dirty… outcasts. We cast these judgements without fully understanding the complexity of this issue at hand, and the weight behind the word “homeless.”
Homelessness isn’t as clear-cut and straightforward as one may think. Homelessness is defined as “the state of having no home or permanent place of residence” (Britanicca), yet this is just one definition of many. Others define homelessness as “living in a place not meant for human habitation…” (Housing California). Homelessness is a social phenomenon that can be defined on many levels. There is no one correct definition. The meaning of the word is situational, and is unique to each individual based on personal conditions.
There are four main categories of homelessness: chronic, episodic, transnational, and hidden.
Chronic homelessness is most likely what many individuals think of when they hear the word “homeless.” Chronic homelessness refers to individuals who have been considered homeless for more than a year. Typically, these individuals are experiencing underlying causes or health factors that impede them from escaping homelessness. These may include the elderly, those with mental health conditions, addiction, or other disabilities. Approximately 17% of the homeless population is made up of individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.
An individual experiencing episodic homelessness refers to those who have experienced three episodes of homelessness within the span of 12 months. If one experiences four or more, they are considered to be a member of the chronic homelessness community. Many of the individuals in the episodic category are of younger age, primarily facing health ailments, or struggling with substance abuse and addiction.
Transnational homelessness is the most common form of homelessness. It is described as being the result of a life altering change or catastrophic event. The most common instance that results in this type of displacement is the loss of a job, or a personal family crisis. Oftentimes, individuals within this category are still employed in a minimum wage job, however their income does not enable them the ability to pay for housing and other expenses that may come with homeownership.
Hidden homelessness is often the form of displacement that goes unnoticed. This category refers to unreported incidents of homelessness. That includes those who have no permanent form of housing, or rely on family and friends for shelter. These members of the homeless community may be invisible to the naked eye, yet their situation and hardships are extremely real, as they face the great possibility of moving from the couch to the streets.
These are four categories that enable society to better differentiate between these individuals and their situations. Yet, the emotion and individuality still goes unrecognized. These categories narrow down situational experiences to a list. Boxes to check, that move you from one category to another. We as a society need to destigmatize the word “homeless,” and understand that each individual is a person with a story. No one is voluntarily living their life with the uncertainties, dangers, and hardships homelessness presents. We need to stop treating these people like they chose this life. It is through a greater understanding of this issue that we can work to enact real change and progress. It begins with a new perspective of the word “homeless.”
Works Cited
“Homelessness.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 30 Jan. 2023, https://www.britannica.com/topic/homelessness.
“Homelessness.” Housing California, https://www.housingca.org/policy/focus/homelessness/.
“What Are the Four Types of Homelessness?” Red Nose Day USA, https://rednoseday.org/news/what-are-four-types-homelessness.