U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's definition of homelA person is considered homeless only when he/she resides in one of the places described below:

• In places not meant for human habitation, such as cars, parks, sidewalks, abandoned buildings (on the street).
• In an emergency shelter.
• In transitional or supportive housing for homeless persons who originally came from the streets or emergency shelters.
• In any of the above places but is spending a short time (up to 30 consecutive days) in a hospital or other institution.
• Is being evicted within a week from a private dwelling unit and no subsequent residence has been identified and lacks resources and support networks needed to obtain housing.
• Is being discharged within a week from an institution, such as a mental health or substance abuse treatment facility or a jail/prison, in which the person has been a resident for more than 30 consecutive days and no subsequent residence has been identified and the person lacks the resources and support networks needed to obtain housing.  For example, a person being discharged from prison after more than 30 days is eligible only if no subsequent residence has been identified and the person does not have money, family or friends to provide housing.
• Is fleeing a domestic violence housing situation and no subsequent residence has been identified and lacks the resources and support networks needed to obtain housing.

   

The following do not meet the HUD definition of homeless:

• Persons living in housing (even though they are paying an excessive amount for their housing, the housing is substandard and in need of repair, or the housing is crowded).
• Persons living with relatives or friends.
• Persons staying in a motel, including a pay-by-the-week motels.
• Persons living in a Board and Care, Adult Congregate Living Facility, or similar place.
• Persons being discharged from an institution that is required to provide or arrange housing upon release.
• Wards of the State, although youth in foster care may receive needed supportive services which supplements, but does not substitute for, the state’s assistance.

If you have further questions, and you are unable to locate the answer on the Info Center, please submit your question online by selecting the "Ask a Question" option which is located at the top of each screen.