Definitions of homelessness in developing countries

This paper describes work in progress by the authors to explore the extent and characteristics of homelessness in developing countries including an assessment of the viability of and need for a globally acceptable definition of homelessness. Its main aim is to provide an empirical context from developing countries against which the current theoretical concepts of home, and existing typologies on homelessness, may be examined. This is important because it is becoming evident that a single definition may be inappropriate and that a range of definitions may be needed to underpin interventions and policy development.