How is temporary housing categorized in relation to homelessness?

Temporary housing is categorized as secondary homelessness because it refers to individuals who do not have a permanent residence but are staying temporarily with friends, family, or in shelters. This form of homelessness highlights the lack of stable, secure living arrangements, even if the person is not living on the streets or in a permanent facility.

In the context of homelessness classifications:

• Primary homelessness encompasses those who are completely without shelter, such as individuals sleeping rough or in cars.

• Tertiary homelessness involves situations where individuals may have housing but live in substandard, unstable, or temporary accommodations, such as boarding houses or hotels.

• Chronic homelessness refers to individuals who have been homeless for an extended period or have repeatedly experienced homelessness over the years.

Understanding these categories helps to provide a nuanced view of homelessness and the varying degrees of housing instability that exist within communities.