This paper examines definitions of homelessness and the reasons for homelessness. Homelessness had different definitions to different people as well as definitions recognized by various government entities. While the reasons for homelessness vary, many homeless people can be classified into basic categories. Because of the constantly changing lifestyles, definitions of homelessness vary. A standard definition of homelessness is any person that lacks a regular nighttime place to sleep. This includes people using transitional housing, including homeless shelters. Another part of this definition are people that sleep regularly in substandard housing or in a shelter not designed or suited for human habitation. A person living in a small camper in the woods that lacks running water, electricity, and toilet facilities fit into this category. The person might live in a camper like this for years and will not consider themselves homeless. They are considered homeless because the dwelli