Homeless Definition
Homelessness is defined as an individual who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. Examples of homelessness include children and youth living in:
- Shared housing due to economic hardship, loss of housing, or natural disasters
- Motels or hotels
- Public or private places not designed for sleeping
- Trailer parks or campgrounds
- Cars, parks, and abandoned buildings
- Shelters
- Emergency or transitional shelters
Unaccompanied Homeless Youth: An unaccompanied homeless child or youth is defined as a youth that is not in the physical custody of their parent or guardian and meets the definition of homelessness, as stated above.
Runaway Youth: A child or youth who is identified by the LEA’s homeless liaison or a program official as receiving assistance from a program under the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act. A runaway youth is always considered an unaccompanied homeless youth.
