What is homelessness?

In January 2014, there were 578,424 people experiencing homelessness on any given night in the United States. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defines homelessness as: A person who lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence which includes sleeping in a public place, a car, a camp ground. A person or family living in a shelter supported by governmental or charitable programs - also includes hotels. A person or family who is officially losing their home and have no permanent place to go, they are considered at-risk and homeless For unaccompanied youth and families, when there is consistent instability in where they are sleeping at night. However, homelessness is different for everyone. For families, youth, veterans, asylum-seekers and those escaping violent situations homelessness means something different and different situations require different help. Understanding, just these subtle differences, is a small but meaningful step toward developing compassion for our homeless neighbors. If you know someone experiencing homelessness, invite them to contact the Illumination Foundation or one of the other organizations listed on the Resources page.