Fundamentals of Homelessness: Definitions, Realities & Solutions
Homelessness is often misunderstood, but the facts tell a different story. This free course covers definitions, populations, causes, programs, and solutions — giving you the foundation to see the issue clearly and join the movement to end it.
What does it really mean to be homeless — and what can be done about it? Homelessness is one of society’s most misunderstood issues, shaped by myths, politics, and stereotypes. Yet behind the noise are real people, real systems, and real solutions.
This free course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of homelessness, offering clarity, insight, and inspiration for anyone seeking to understand or engage in the movement to end homelessness. You’ll learn how homelessness is defined (both broadly and through HUD’s categories), who experiences homelessness, why people lose housing, what programs exist to respond, and how individuals, agencies, and communities can play a role in creating solutions.
Designed as both a stand-alone primer and a launchpad into deeper training, this course will give you the confidence to cut through misinformation, see the full landscape, and understand the critical work being done to end homelessness.
What You’ll Learn
- The general and HUD-specific definitions of homelessness
- HUD’s categories of homelessness and how they are applied
- The diverse populations impacted by homelessness: adults, families, youth, veterans, survivors of domestic violence, and more
- Common myths about homelessness and the real reasons people lose housing
- The range of program types: prevention, emergency shelter, transitional housing, rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing, and beyond
- How homelessness is addressed by different players: agencies, CoCs, government, housing providers, and concerned citizens
- How evidence-based solutions are shaping outcomes across communities
- Where you can fit into the movement to end homelessness