Listening to a newscast on WNYC-AM, a public radio station in New York, the announcer used the word "unhoused" in referring to those lacking a place to call home. It's a reasonable substitute for "homeless." The last syllable of that word ("less") carries with it judgment, stigma, shame. It makes people feel that they are less than others.Whereas "unhoused" has a more sympathetic feeling and sound to it.
The word "homeless" conjures up images of people who wound up that way because of some character flaw, whether true or not.
The ways people lose their shelter are various and not always their fault such as a fire, illness, unemployment, or an unscrupulous landlord.
By referring to those unlucky to be without a home as "unhoused" allows them to be treated with civility, respect, humaneness, and dignity.
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