Am I Homeless If I Live In A Van?

Pamela Madore
Jan 28, 2023
3 min read

Updated: Feb 18, 2023

Is living in a van considered homeless? I don't feel homeless. I feel like I have my home with me at all times! But.......

What Does HUD Say?

"In the HUD (Housing and Urban Development) definition for homeless, cars are “not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation.” Though vans are not mentioned, generally speaking, they are “not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation.” Thus, persons sleeping overnight in cars or vans are homeless."

Me Being Homeless

When I think of someone homeless, I think of someone who lives on the street with no job or means of support.

That would be a generic description and I know there are many other reasons people are considered homeless. I just never thought that having a van that is really a tiny house on wheels is considered homeless!

Here are some quotes. Yikes!

"Does my living situation meet the definition of homelessness?

If you are staying in a hotel, motel, camping ground, car, or any place outside/not meant for human habitation, your living situation meets the McKinney-Vento Act's definition of homelessness."

"What is the difference between rough sleeping and homelessness?

Rough sleeping is the most visible form of homelessness sleeping outside, but also refers to sleeping in a place not designed for living such as an empty building or a car. Some people are at a higher risk of rough sleeping than others."

"Is it legal to be homeless in the United States?

Laws that bar people experiencing homelessness from sitting, sleeping, or resting in public spaces are prevalent across the country. Some laws prohibit people from living in vehicles. Other laws turn to loitering, asking for money, and even sharing food with people into offenses punishable by fines or arrest."

Well, shut my mouth! There are a lot of us out here that are homeless and didn't even know it!

Imagine this. A whole lot of census people running around at Cracker Barrell, Walmart, truck stops, rest areas, out in the woods, and down by the stream trying to take a census count when we move every day! Like chasing tumbleweeds.

Recently, I posted a question on TikTok. Will this trend continue? I got a resounding yes. More and more people are moving into vans, cars, buses, ambulances, or trucks. The reason I only mention those is because I am only including those that boondock rather than stay in campgrounds. If you stayed in campgrounds all of the time it would be cost-prohibitive to accomplish what we are trying to accomplish. I think.

Many if not most of the responses looked to the cost of housing as the #1 reason to move into a van and live mobile. Lots of people are choosing a minimalistic lifestyle instead of working to live. One lady said she lost her house in a California wildfire so she built a tiny home and lives a minimalist lifestyle.

As this trend continues I think those good ole' boys up at HUD are going to have to change their way of thinking. Or it may be the next generation that makes the connection.

I think the movement in the 60s (if there weren't as many drugs) was a good start in turning us into a nomadic society. Unfortunately, we Baby Boomers were still buying trinkets to keep up with the Jones's. What a waste of time and resources.

Wait!! Is that me ranting and raving?! Sorry. Settle down, Pam.

Some say that owning a house is the best way to build equity that turns into