Walking through your neighborhood, you could notice a man sitting on a bench with his belongings in a few bags alongside him. You may think, “He’s homeless.” What if I told you there is more to the story? Consider another example: a mother with two children staying in a small room because she cannot afford an apartment. Is she also homeless? Is she unhoused? Although these two words are frequently used interchangeably, they refer to different circumstances. Understanding the differences can influence how we recognize and assist persons who lack stable housing.
The Current State of Homelessness in the U.S.
According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), a record-breaking 653,104 people were homeless on one night in January 2023. This is a 12.1% rise over the previous year and the highest amount since data collection began in 2007. In 2023, the homelessness rate was 19.4 per 10,000 persons, with large variability between states.
Unhoused vs Homeless: A Key Distinction
| Term | Meaning | Implications |
| Homeless | Lacking a permanent place to live, this typically means living on the streets or in shelters. | Frequently regarded as demeaning |
| Unhoused | They lack a permanent home, yet highlighting that housing is a human right that they are now denied. | Seen as more humanizing and respectful. |
Why Is “Unhoused” Becoming More Common?
Over the last few years, many activists and supporters have begun to adopt the term “unhoused” since it highlights the temporary nature of the situation, implying that a person has been refused shelter rather than being defined by its absence. It moves the attention away from individual blame and towards larger societal and systemic issues. This slight alteration in terms has the potential to change how society approaches the issue of homelessness.
The Causes
| Cause | Homeless | Unhoused |
|---|
| Economic factors | Rising rent, unemployment | Lack of affordable housing, wage inequality |
| Mental health and addiction | Often viewed as personal failures | Seen as barriers due to insufficient healthcare |
| Natural disasters or unexpected events | Temporary loss of shelter | Emphasizes temporary, focusing on displacement |
When we consider why people become homeless or unhoused, the reasons are complex and diverse. While both terms refer to people who are homeless, understanding the terminology allows us to go deeper into the underlying causes, such as a lack of affordable housing, mental health support, or unexpected life events.
Some More Comparisons
Sheltered vs. Unsheltered Homelessness
Of the entire homeless population, 396,494 (60%) were sheltered, while 256,610 (40%) were unsheltered and lived in conditions viewed unsuitable for habitation. Between 2022 and 2023, unsheltered homelessness increased by 9.7%, and sheltered homelessness went up by 13.7%.
The Human Element Behind the Terms
Whether someone is referred to as “homeless” or “unhoused,” the reality is clear: millions of people globally lack safe, stable homes. But how we refer to them matters. The term “homeless” is often criticized, presenting people as outsiders or permanently excluded from society. “Unhoused,” on the other hand, aims to restore dignity by emphasizing the idea that everyone deserves a home.
Solutions for Homelessness vs Unhousing Crisis
While both groups face identical issues, solutions can differ depending on how we frame the issue. The “homeless” frequently require immediate support from shelters and food programs, whereas the “unhoused” may benefit more from long-term efforts such as affordable housing initiatives and mental health care.
Conclusion
Finally, the phrases “unhoused” and “homeless” highlight an individual’s humanity in the face of a temporary living condition. As the homelessness issue in the United States worsens, it is essential to address the root causes and adopt long-term solutions to guarantee everyone has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing.
