Homelessness can be classified into four categories: Chronic- chronic homelessness is defined as being homeless for more than one year.  Episodic- Episodic homelessness refers to a person who has experienced at least three episodes of homelessness within a given year. Transitional- Transitional homelessness is defined as impacting an individual who is going through a huge life change.  Lastly.  Hidden homelessness is usually unreported. These people are couch surfing without any immediate prospect of permanent housing.