Understanding and Applying Definitions of Homelessness

The best definition of homelessness is however a person experiencing homelessness describes it.  However, to effectively prevent and end homelessness, we need considerable resources to pay for housing and supportive services staff. Each funding source comes with its own eligibility requirements that providers must comply with in order to keep receiving funding to provide services. This training provides an overview of federal and state definitions of homelessness most frequently used in Minnesota homelessness response systems. It also shares requirements for documenting eligibility under those definitions, as well as a strategy for documenting eligibility that is the most trauma-informed and presents the fewest barriers while still maintaining compliance. Please note: The HUD definitions and documentation guidance in this training are based on HUD guidance alone. If your Continuum of Care (CoC) has additional eligibility or documentation standards, this training will not cover those. For CoC-specific guidance, check your CoC's documents or ask a representative of the CoC.   The definitions and documentation guidance in this training are accurate as of 6/25/2025. For the most up-to-date guidance, check the webpages of the funders using the definitions. Heather Duchscherer has a deep understanding of HUD Continuums of Care (CoCs) – in theory, policy, and practice – and extensive experience navigating the challenges and opportunities of cross-sector collaboration. Heather completed Master of Public Policy and Master of Social Work degrees at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. Heather can be reached by email at hduchscherer@gmail.com.