“Homeless” Vs. “Houseless”
What’s the difference?
When did people start using the term “Homeless”?
The term “homeless” came into widespread use in the 1970s and 1980s, coinciding with the emergence of modern homelessness as a prominent social issue in the United States.
Prior to this period, other terms were more commonly used to describe people without stable housing:
After the Civil War, terms like “hobo” and “tramp” emerged to describe migrant workers and those who traveled in search of work. During the Great Depression, these terms became more prominent again to describe those displaced by economic hardship.
Words like “vagrant” and “bum” were also used historically, often in a derogatory manner.
The shift to using “homeless” and “homelessness” occurred in the 1970s-1980s for a few key reasons:
- There was a significant increase in visible homelessness in urban areas during this time period.
- Deinstitutionalization of mental health facilities led to more people with mental illness living on the streets.
- Advocates and policymakers sought less stigmatizing language to describe the growing population of people without housing.
- The term “homeless” aligned with emerging policy efforts and social services aimed at addressing housing insecurity.
By the 1980s, “homeless” had become the standard term used by government agencies, researchers, and media to discuss this social issue. However, in recent years there has been a move by some advocates to use alternative phrasing like “unhoused” or “people experiencing homelessness” to further reduce stigma.
What about the term “Houseless”?
The term “houseless” has emerged as another alternative to “homeless” in recent years. Here are some key points about the use of “houseless”:
Origin and usage: The term “houseless” rose in popularity mainly as a response to the fact that while people may not live in traditional houses, many feel they still have a home. It emphasizes the distinction between a house (a physical structure) and a home (a personal community).
Meaning: Being “houseless” is defined as lacking permanent housing or being unhoused. It’s often used interchangeably with “homeless” but aims to be less stigmatizing.
Rationale: Advocates argue that “houseless” better reflects the reality that people without permanent shelter may still have a sense of home, community, and belonging. It shifts focus from the lack of a physical structure to the broader issue of housing insecurity.
Recent adoption: In recent years, advocates and activists have begun using “houseless” (along with “unhoused”) more frequently to describe individuals without a physical address.
Emphasis on humanity: Like “unhoused,” the term “houseless” is part of a broader effort to use language that centers on the humanity of people experiencing housing insecurity.
Ongoing debate: There’s still discussion in advocacy circles about which term is most appropriate. Some prefer “houseless,” while others advocate for phrases like “people experiencing homelessness” or “housing insecurity”.
It’s worth noting that while terminology evolves, government agencies and research institutions often continue to use “homeless” in official reports and statistics. The choice of terminology can vary depending on the context and the preferences of the individuals or organizations involved in discussing these issues.
