What is homelessness?

This content applies to England only.

Many people only associate homelessness with sleeping on the streets, but this conceals the range and scale of the problem.

Homelessness exists in many different forms. Shelter works to ensure that everyone has the right to a decent, secure and permanent home, not simply a roof over their heads.

Different forms of homelessness

The reality is that sleeping on the streets is just the most extreme form of homelessness. The vast majority of homeless people are families or single people who are not sleeping rough.

Some may be staying with relatives and friends on a temporary basis. Others live in temporary accommodation, such as bed and breakfast hotels, hostels, night shelters and refuges. For many, this means living in poor quality accommodation that is detrimental to their health and well-being. And in all cases, not having a permanent home causes stress and countless practical difficulties.

The legal definition of homelessness

Broadly speaking, the law defines someone as being homeless if they do not have a legal right to occupy accommodation, or if their accommodation is unsuitable to live in. This can cover a wide range of circumstances, including, but not restricted to, the following:

• having no accommodation at all 
• having accommodation that is not reasonable to live in, even in the short-term (eg because of violence or health reasons) 
• having a legal right to accommodation that you cannot access (eg if you have been evicted illegally) 
• living in accommodation you have no legal right to occupy (eg living in a squat or staying with friends temporarily).

Local authorities have a legal duty to provide advice and support to those people legally defined as homeless or threatened with homelessness. However, not everyone who falls within the above definition of homelessness necessarily qualifies for long-term social housing from local authorities.