Definition of homelessness as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development:

A 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.
• 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.