There are a few definitions of being homeless depending on the frame of reference. For a number of years I lived in a busted up unrentable storefront and it was

There are a few definitions of being homeless depending on the frame of reference. For a number of years I lived in a busted up unrentable storefront and it was certainly not by choice. It certainly fit a few of the government definitions of poverty and/or homelessness that are out there. Being poor, being homeless, etc is a fuzzy thing in its nature. It’s not just being without everything. My personal definition of being poor is having to make trade offs between food, shelter, and safety where you’re going without one or more on a regular basis. I didn’t sleep in a bed, the place I slept in would pour buckets of water when it rained, it was cold in the winter, and the neighborhood could be unsafe at times. I didn’t go hungry since I always had the money for a $1 package of pasta and a $1.50 can of tomato sauce. I was able to go to school because my specific version of homelessness matched one that California recognized in order to waive tuition. Ultimately life worked out for me. 15 years later I feel stressed for money due to all the asks my family makes of me, but I never feel poor.