According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary (1997), the word `homeless' is defined as: "having no home or permanent residence" (p.356). People who fall into this category are often termed `homeless,' but this in itself is a very confusing term. To categorize people by a characteristic that they lack is not a group at all. Referring to these people as "the homeless" implies a false sense of similarity among these people, who, in reality, have nothing more in common than their lack of permanent shelter.

Because of this lack of homogeneity in this grouping, combating the problem of homelessness has been a difficult one. There are so many different circumstances that may lead a person to become homeless, and even more circumstances that may keep a person homeless for extended periods of time.

There are homeless people in every American city, as well as many in surrounding areas and even...