Language and Compassion: Navigating the Terminology Around Homelessness

by: Orlando Ivey - Children's Rescue Fund, CEO

Children’s Rescue Fund (CRF), has spent over 30 years working closely with individuals and families experiencing homelessness, advocating for their rights, and developing solutions to address the root causes of housing insecurity. One of the ongoing conversations I’ve had over the years revolves around the language we use when referring to those who are without a permanent home.

The terms we use have power. Language shapes our perception of people and issues, influencing how we approach solutions. In recent years, “homeless” has been the common term, but there’s been a noticeable shift toward using alternatives like “unhoused” or “people experiencing homelessness.”

Why Language Matters

The language we use can reflect our attitudes, beliefs or even biases. For years, the word “homeless” has been the standard term, but for some, it can carry negative connotations. It can evoke images of people in despair, and for others, it may feel like an identity that’s permanently attached to a person. But people are not defined by their housing situation. Homelessness is a circumstance, not a label, and this is why many advocates, including those at CRF, encourage using more neutral and person-first terminology.

“Unhoused,” for example, focuses more directly on the lack of stable housing rather than the identity of being “homeless.” It emphasizes that someone’s situation is temporary and not an inherent characteristic of who they are. It’s important to remember that many of the people we are talking about are going through a difficult time in their lives.

The Power of “People First” Language

When we talk about “people experiencing homelessness,” we are acknowledging that homelessness is just one part of a person’s life, not the sum of their identity. This language reinforces the idea that these individuals are multifaceted and deserve respect, dignity, and empathy. At CRF, we view people as more than their living circumstances. Whether someone is facing a lack of housing due to job loss, mental illness, addiction, or any other factor, they are first and foremost human beings with dreams, aspirations, and a need for support.

By framing the issue as “people experiencing homelessness,” we are reinforcing the idea that homelessness is something that can be overcome and that the individuals we serve can rebuild their lives with the right support. This is why Children’s Rescue Fund exists.

What Does the Future Hold?

The shift toward more thoughtful, people-first language is part of a larger movement toward equity and inclusion. It reflects a growing understanding that people who are experiencing housing insecurity face many barriers, and they deserve to be treated with the same respect as anyone else. The term “unhoused” may be gaining traction, but ultimately, the language we use will continue to evolve as our understanding of homelessness deepens.

At CRF, we are committed to using language that fosters understanding, reduces stigma, and encourages solutions. The goal of any nonprofit, government agency, or individual working in this space should be to empower people. Children’s Rescue Fund’s mission statement is to empower individuals and families experiencing homelessness to help them become independent and self-sufficient for future generations to come. We want to help them move from a place of vulnerability to a place of stability, and using language that reinforces their dignity is a crucial part of this.

We will continue to advocate for people experiencing homelessness with the utmost respect, and we encourage others to do the same. Language is a powerful tool, and when used thoughtfully, it can be part of the solution in the fight against homelessness.

As we move forward, let’s remember that those without homes are people — individuals with stories, dreams, and the ability to change their circumstances with the right support. The language we use should reflect that reality.