What is a Homeless Person?

So what is a homeless person? I know, it seems like a stupid question, however there are many misconceptions and stereotypes about homeless people. To some they just seem lazy and job-less, begging for change on a street corner. What we all should understand is that ANYONE can become homeless, at ANY time.

A common misconception about homeless people is that they are drug addicts, alcoholics, mentally ill, or just someone who went too far down the wrong path. This isn't always true though. Every homeless person has a unique story of how they got to be where they are.

According to the actual definition of homeless, a person is homeless if he or she lives in a place not designated for human habitation (like a park or a car,) or lives in a shelter or transitional housing. 

While most of the homeless population is made up of single adults, the fastest growing segment of that population is families. There are also many war veterans that are homeless. Although many homeless individuals have battled addictions, have criminal records, or are mentally disabled, there are also many with college degrees, and a lengthy history of previous employment. Another factor that affects the number of homeless people is domestic violence, with 22% of homeless people becoming homeless as a result of violence in the home.