Homelessness Definitions
The following definitions are used by the United Nations to define homelessness.Absolute Homelessness refers to those without any physical shelter. This would include those who are living rough (i.e. outside, in parks or on the beach, in doorways, in parked vehicles, or parking garages), as well as those in emergency shelters or in transition houses for women fleeing abuse.
At risk of homelessness. These are individuals or families whose living spaces do not meet minimum health and safety standards, and do not offer security of tenure, personal safety and/or affordability. Those individuals who spend more than 50% of their income on housing are also considered at risk of homelessness. This category also includes people who are hard to quantify such as those individuals who are staying with friends for intervals of time.
