About Homelessness
What Are The Four Categories of Homelessness?
According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development,
there are four definitions of homelessness:
1. Literally Homeless
Is an individual or family living in a place not meant for human habitation or is living in a publicly or privately operated shelter designated to provide temporary living situations.
2. Imminent Risk of Homelessness
Is an individual or family living in a place not meant for human habitation or is living in a publicly or privately operated shelter designated to provide temporary living situations.
3. Homeless Under Federal Statutes
Unaccompanied youth under the age of 25 and households with children who are (1) defined as homeless under other federal statutes such as the Mckinney Vento Definition of Homelessness (link this website McKinney-Vento Definition – National Center for Homeless Education); (2) have not had a lease, ownership interest in permanent housing during the 60 days prior to the homeless assistance application; (3) have experienced persistent instability as measured by two moves or more in the preceding 60 days; (4) can be expected to continue in such status for an extended period of time due to special needs or barriers.
4. Fleeing/Attempting to Flee Domestic Violence
Any individual or family who (1) is fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence; (2) has no other residence; (3) lacks the resources or support networks to obtain permanent housing.
'why' homelessness happens
There are many reasons an individual or family may experience homelessness.
Some of the most prevalent causes of homelessness in the United States are
01
Housing Affordability
The increasing gap between housing costs and stagnant incomes continues to widen, resulting in more people experiencing homelessness due to housing instability.
02
Income
Low-income wage earners or those under-employed, receive wages that have not kept pace with the rising costs of housing, healthcare, transportation, and other essential resources leaving many people and families at risk of experiencing homelessness.
03
Health Crisis | Chronic Health Conditions
An individual can become chronically homeless when their health condition (either physical or mental) becomes disabling and stable housing is too difficult to maintain without help.
04
Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
Substance Use Disorders can lead to homelessness. SUD’s can disrupt relationships with family and friends and can cause job loss, leading to the loss of stable housing.
05
Escaping Violence
Domestic violence and the experience of homelessness are inextricably linked. About half of all women experiencing homelessness report that domestic violence was directly responsible for their homelessness. (National Alliance to End Homelessness).
“To care is to be human. to love is to be a community.
everyone counts”
chatham savannah authority for the Homeless
Solutions to Reaching
FUNCTIONAL ZERO
What is Functional Zero?
Functional Zero is a milestone that indicates a community has measurably solved homelessness for a population. This means that when an individual or family experiences homelessness in our community, that experience is rare, brief, and non-recurring. Specific ways the Chatham/Savannah Community and communities across the county are working to reach functional zero includes increasing affordability and availability, increasing access and connection to job opportunities, and increasing connection between healthcare providers and homeless service providers.