HUD’s Definition of Homeless

Bartlett Housing Solutions works hard to provide as many support services and resources for our clients as possible. In order to do this, we must follow the various rules and regulations set by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

As one of the main governing organizations for regulating and supporting the fight against homelessness, HUD provides the organization a standard for determining if an individual is homeless.

The following is HUD’s current definition of Homeless:

Literally Homeless 

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 was in the shelter or a place not meant for human habitation immediately prior to entering that institution.

Imminent Risk of Homelessness

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.

Homeless under other Federal statutes 

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.

Fleeing/Attempting to Flee Domestic Violence

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.

If you have any questions regarding the definition of homelessness, or if you qualify for one of these categories, please do not hesitate to contact our team at Bartlett Housing Solutions. 

To learn more about the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), please visit www.HUD.gov.