ABSTRACT
Finding a clear, simple definition of single homelessness has always been problematic. The label ‘homeless family’ immediately brings to mind the plight of children with no secure home, and their needs are quickly established. For people who are single and homeless there are no such easy labels to define their need. Either they are grouped into particular areas of need such as the young, alcohol abusers, people with AIDS/HIV or people who are mentally ill, or a specific image of single homeless people is put forward, the much over-used picture of the old man on the streets with bottle in hand still being the most common.
