Chapter 1: Defining the Target Audience

Types of Homelessness

There are different categories of homelessness, including: ● Chronic Homelessness: This is the most well-known type of homelessness. Chronic homelessness is defined as being homeless for longer than a year. Most people who are chronically homeless have something preventing them from getting out such as mental illness, addiction, or a physical disability. These individuals are typically older. ● Episodic Homelessness: This is defined as a person that has experienced three episodes of homelessness within a given year. After four episodes within a year, they are then classified as chronically homeless. These individuals are typically younger and are often battling health or addiction issues. ● Transitional Homelessness: This is a common type of homelessness. This is defined as affecting a person that is going through a major life change or catastrophic event. Many of these people have lost a job unexpectedly or are abruptly removed from their prior homes. ● Hidden Homelessness: This type of homelessness often goes unreported. These individuals are “couch surfing” with family or friends and do not have immediate prospects for permanent housing. Since they do not commonly access homeless resources, they are not usually counted in national statistics.

Know your audience: Five Tips those experiencing homelessness want you to know.

1. Every face is the face of homelessness. Any person could easily be considered homeless, we are humans just like you. Look us in the eye and use our name if you know it. We spend our entire days getting told no and being looked down upon. Experiencing homelessness is a symptom of a disease, and those that suffer need help, not ridicule. Just because a person is experiencing homeless does not mean that they are lazy, a drunk, or an addict. Although these things may contribute to their homelessness, they are not all encompassing of a person. 2. Being homeless is exhausting. Sleep is broken due to safety and privacy concerns. It can be dangerous and your guard is up constantly. Women are at high risk for violence against them. Be patient with us, we may not have had a good night's sleep in a long time. 3. Often those experiencing homelessness are working. 40-60% of the homeless population work, but just cannot afford housing in their area. There may be different barriers causing homelessness. Do not make assumptions about how someone became homeless. 4. While hunger is a part of the problem, those experiencing homelessness often have mental and physical health concerns as well. Many have experienced traumatic situations that lead to being homeless and need extensive mental health treatment. Often, these clients may be very guarded about working with the police or authoritative individuals. As Career Coaches, we want to do everything we can to assist our clients. Often, those experiencing homelessness are struggling with mental health issues that may make their perception of reality unrealistic. It is important that the Career Coach not be fearful, but cautious and aware of their surroundings. Be sure to keep calm, treat the client with kindness and respect, and use common sense with your interactions.