As an expert in housing policy and social welfare, I can provide a comprehensive understanding of the HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) definition of homelessness. The HUD definition is pivotal for determining eligibility for federal housing assistance programs and for understanding the scope of homelessness in the United States.

The HUD definition of homelessness has evolved over time to encompass a broader understanding of the circumstances that can lead individuals and families to be without stable housing. As of the information provided, the new definition includes four broad categories:

1. **People Living in Places Not Meant for Human Habitation**: This category includes individuals who are residing in locations that are not designed for or typically used as regular living accommodations. Examples can range from living in a car, abandoned buildings, or on the streets.


2. People in Emergency Shelter: This refers to individuals or families who are staying in temporary housing arranged in response to an emergency. Emergency shelters are often provided by local governments, non-profit organizations, or community groups and are intended to offer immediate relief from homelessness.


3. People in Transitional Housing: Transitional housing is temporary housing with supportive services that help individuals and families move to permanent housing and independence. It is designed to assist those who are ready to transition out of homelessness but require additional time and support to secure stable housing and employment.

4. **People Exiting an Institution Where They Temporarily Resided**: This category includes those who are leaving a facility or institution where they had been residing temporarily, such as a hospital, mental health facility, or correctional facility, and who are returning to the community without a home to go to.

It is important to note that the HUD definition of homelessness is not limited to those who are living on the streets or in shelters. It recognizes the broader spectrum of housing instability and acknowledges that homelessness can take many forms. The definition also considers the vulnerability of certain populations, such as unaccompanied youth, who may not fit neatly into traditional categories but still lack stable housing.

The HUD definition serves as a critical tool for identifying those in need and for allocating resources effectively. It is a living document that reflects the changing nature of homelessness and the evolving strategies for addressing it. By understanding and applying this definition, policymakers, service providers, and communities can better target their efforts to prevent homelessness and to support those who are experiencing it.

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Changes in the HUD Definition of --Homeless-- ... 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.Jan 18, 2012read more >>