Homeless Defined
Tags: Offgrid, She says they slept in a car , Homeless, Homelessfamilies

Old van. Home? Or Vehicle or both?

Homeless Defined

According to the Oxford Encyclopedia of Social Work, homelessness is formally defined by the United States government as when a person “lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, and if they sleep in a shelter designated for temporary living accommodations or in places not designated for human habitation.” beckyblanton Dec 10, 2020·9 min read

That’s not necessarily everyone’s definition. Many chronically homeless will label you a “fraud” and a liar if you’re not sleeping in the open in a park. Even those seeking shelter in tents or cardboard boxes are, according to the homeless status trolls, are posers.

In 2012, HUD redefined homelessness:

HUD has issued the final regulation to implement changes to the definition of homelessness contained in the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act. The definition affects who is eligible for various HUD-funded homeless assistance programs. The new definition includes four broad categories of homelessness:

People who are living in a place not meant for human habitation, in emergency shelter, in transitional housing, or are exiting an institution where they temporarily resided. The only significant change from existing practice is that people will be considered homeless if they are exiting an institution where they resided for up to 90 days (it was previously 30 days), and were in a shelter or a place not meant for human habitation immediately prior to entering that institution.

People who are losing their primary nighttime residence, which may include a motel or hotel or a doubled-up situation, within 14 days and lack resources or support networks to remain in housing. HUD had previously allowed people who were being displaced within 7 days to be considered homeless. The proposed regulation also describes specific documentation requirements for this category.

Families with children or unaccompanied youth who are unstably housed and likely to continue in that state. This is a new category of homelessness, and it applies to families with children or unaccompanied youth who have not had a lease or ownership interest in a housing unit in the last 60 or more days, have had two or more moves in the last 60 days, and who are likely to continue to be unstably housed because of disability or multiple barriers to employment.

People who are fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, have no other residence and lack the resources or support networks to obtain other permanent housing. This category is similar to the current practice regarding people who are fleeing domestic violence.

Those who insist on defining and labeling the homeless according to whether or not they have, or don’t have cellphones, or have, or don’t have a vehicle, or a driver’s license, or a job, or whatever else have far deeper mental issues than they realize. I call them “Homeless trolls and terrorists.” They live to intimidate, threaten, and abuse the homeless. Many are mentally ill homeless themselves and believe they are “protecting their resources” by driving others away from those resources.

I know many “homeless” who HAD and kept their laptops, technology, cell phones, and storage units, wardrobe, and even their jobs after becoming homeless. Friends and family and neighbors insisted they weren’t “really homeless” and refused any aid or support. If you don’t have a secure, permanent place to live or sleep, you’re homeless. And yes, there are homeless people with a more expensive cell phone than YOU, or a $2,500 laptop, or other amenities and they are still HOMELESS. A person does NOT have to be without any resources to be homeless.

Notice, the OFFICIAL DEFINITION OF HOMELESSNESS also has NOTHING to do with what kinds of clothes you own/wear, the tech you own, or the car you drive. Journalist and famous talk show host, the late Sally Jesse Raphel was homeless for a time and slept in her Mercedes. It wasn’t the first time. Sally says she grew up in a privileged family with very supportive parents; however when her father became ill, her family fell on hard times. She says they slept in a car and learned to survive on what they had. Was she homeless? The naysayers would scream no, but cars, even vans, or expensive brands, are not “fixed” or “adequate” permanent housing. Argue all you want with the government.

ARE YOU HOMELESS OR ABOUT TO BE?

If you’re about to be evicted because you lost your job, couldn’t pay rent, and yet still own thousands of dollars worth of things, you can still be homeless, regardless of what the trolls say. IGNORE THEM. Move on. Focus on what matters—housing you can afford, housing you feel safe in, housing that provides security for you and your family until things turn around for you.

If you’re currently in a house or apartment and about to be evicted in a few months, or next week, you’re better off than those who own nothing but the clothing on their back. And, you have more options than most, but without a permanent structure to call “home,” you’re homeless. IF you have nothing, you can still use the tips on this site. My goal is NOT to help all homeless — particularly the chronic homeless with mental health issues, addiction issues, or other challenges that require professional help to overcome. This blog is for people who CAN work, WANT to work, who take responsibility for themselves and aren’t afraid of hard work or challenges. Even if you’re paralyzed right now by the thought of homelessness and don’t know what to do, this will hopefully give you some ideas.

If you’ve been struggling for months, have sold everything of value, and are still looking at being evicted as are about 30–40 MILLION other Americans due to the COVID crisis, you’re not alone either. The article says “If conditions do not change, 29–43% of renter households could be at risk of eviction by the end of the year.” We didn’t even see those percentages during the Great Depression! You need to do something NOW, if you’re worried about 2021. The earlier you prepare, the better off you’ll fare. Don’t put your head in the sand. The ocean will still roll over you no matter how deep you plant your head!

If you’re the average “about to be evicted” homeowner or renter, your household will have furniture, technology, sports equipment, and clothing to sell, donate, toss, or store. Most people will mistakenly store their stuff, hoping the job market will improve. It won’t. You’ll just be pouring money into a hole and end up losing all your stuff anyway.

You’re better off selling everything that can be replaced and using the money to find affordable housing, declare bankruptcy, and start over. Stuff can be replaced. Stuff that can’t be replaced can be stored with relatives, or in a SMALL storage unit — the cheapest unit preferably. Valuables should be placed in bank security boxes. If you have a lot of guns, pawn them to be held. You’ll pay 10% of their value every month, but they’ll be safely stored in triple-locked vaults until you need them. Consider the percentage you pay on the pawn ticket to be rent. You can also do this with other items. Check with a REPUTABLE pawn shop.

FINDING HOUSING

No one wants to be homeless. It’s not easy, not affordable, and not safe—especially if you have children. The following suggestions are NOT for the average 15–20% of homeless people who have or embrace a victim mentality, are mentally ill, are unable to hold down a job, finish a project, or have active addictions that prevent them from functioning.