[jdietrich]

Definitions of homelessness and data collection methodologies vary to such a degree that it is difficult to make direct comparisons between countries. The term "homeless" includes a broad range of conditions, from sleeping on the streets to living in temporary accommodation. Japan's purported homelessness rate is transparently false to anyone who has spent time in the less salubrious parts of Tokyo.

What is clear is that homelessness in the US is very unequally distributed geographically and has become associated with increasingly severe social problems. The level of homelessness might not be exceptionally high, but there's a prima facie case that the severity of homelessness has. Being inadequately or insecurely housed is undoubtedly bad, but it's a heck of a lot better than living indefinitely in a tent underneath a freeway overpass.