“There is no one definition for homelessness, for it all depends on how broad a subject one is referring to. Some would not consider those in shelter of any kind, whether in state shelters or residing in relatives’ homes, as homeless (Bray, 2009). Many believe homelessness should include all those without their own shelter, regardless of whether they are in a state shelter or at a relatives’ place. There are a number of factors that come into play when pushing a person to homelessness. Factors such as unemployment, debt, bankruptcy, lack of affordable housing, etc. Some of the effects that come along with being homeless are poor health and no health insurance, mental disorders, physical disabilities, drugs and alcohol abuse, and a lowered life expectancy (Hayashi, 2016). However, there are a number of solutions as well. “Housing First”, a policy that states the homeless should be housed first and most other problems will recede (Hayashi, 2016). Health will improve once a person has a clean, warm shelter to reside in. Once off the street, there will be less exposure to drugs and alcohol, germs, bodily harm, etc. Homelessness refers to a broad group of individuals; ones with jobs, others without, ones with the protection of a state shelter, others on the streets, all are considered to be homeless.”

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This paragraph from my research paper specifically connected to my project because as someone who surrounded herself with what one can potentially call “homeless”, one must also understand what that term truly means. One must also be cautious when using the term, homelessness. The breakfasts I went to, you could never be sure just how dire someone’s situation was, and you could never ask. So it became important for me to figure out just what “homeless” truly meant and I find out the term did not fit the patrons of these breakfasts. “Those in need” or “all-walks-of-life” fit so much better. There is irony to the term “homeless”. On one hand it’s a very broad definition. On the other, it only refers to those without a home. And I could not apply that to my case. I went to help, not the homeless, but to help “all-walks-of-life”.