homlesness

Homelessness is basically when you have nowhere stable, safe, decent and affordable to live. This can be lots of different situations.
 * You are sleeping "on the streets" in a park, on the beach etc - "roughing it".
 * Sleeping on the floor at your friends' houses, 'couch surfing'.
 * Staying in accommodation for a short time ie somewhere to "tide you over" like night shelters, hostels, hotels etc.
 * Overcrowded, poor or not acceptable housing conditions.

what happens? There are many reasons why people might find themselves homeless: Or you may have run away after a family argument and not quite know how to get back. There are heaps of reasons why someone finds himself or herself without a secure home. Your reason will be unique and your own. It can be useful to talk to someone you trust or find someone you trust to help you. You don't have to do it alone, there are many places and people who can help find you somewhere safe and secure. People who took the risk to ask for help, or tell someone about their situation have said, "It helped me sort my life out". Ask around to find the support services where you live. Getting stable, secure and safe accommodation is the most important thing, then the issues can be sorted out.
 * Getting kicked out after a fight - things "blow up" and you are told to "get out"
 * Running away because of abuse - see our article **Child Abuse**
 * Not feeling safe - see our articles on **Violence**, or **Relationship Violence**
 * Not being accepted for who you are - your sexuality (see our articles **Coming Out** and **Diversity and Discrimination**)
 * Not being able to afford to stay there
 * Having left a foster family because you didn't like it
 * Losing your job - see our article on Unemployment
 * Not feel comfortable - see our article on **Family Breakdown**
 * Having conflict with step-parents - **Step-Families**.