[angusturner]

By the definition you have provided though, someone that has access to stable, safe or functional housing but then chooses to not to use it (eg opting to camp instead), is not homeless.

Edit: the word “lack” really is the key word. This implies no choice, right?

[stinkbeetle]

I don't follow what you're getting at. OP did not have the budget to afford a house so he had to go homeless. He could have made other choices to afford a house sure, but many other homeless people could also theoretically make choices that would enable them to get housing.

[celticninja]

The author has the opportunity to make choices about their situation, homeless people lack that choice, they can't just go get a job, or they can't get the money together for a deposit. They can't afford to travel to where the work is.

Theoretically they could choose to get treatment for addiction or mental health problems, but practically that isn't available to them.

[stinkbeetle]

> The author has the opportunity to make choices about their situation, homeless people lack that choice,

As adjudicated by whom?

> they can't just go get a job, or they can't get the money together for a deposit. They can't afford to travel to where the work is.

Many could actually. Some could move to lower cost of living areas. Some could choose to get education or training that enables them to get a job in the future. Some could get jobs, some could certainly move to where there are jobs. Some could choose to quit recreational drugs and alcohol. Some could use their welfare or disability payments and move to lower cost of living areas. Some who dislike living with others could choose to put housing above that preference and could afford move into group housing. Many do these things actually, I have heard many first hand stories from people getting themselves out of homelessness.

So how are we weighing up all these choices and deciding who is a "valid homeless" and who is not?

[justinclift]

Doesn't seem like it. What's the address he would have given for mail sent to him when in the tent?

ie doesn't seem like there'd be a functional one that would work

So it's pretty clear he didn't have an "official" home during that period.

[firesteelrain]

When I went to college, I had a PO box. Not sure how it works in Hong Kong, but I presume something similar. My apartment on campus did not have a PO Box but my college did.

[justinclift]

Yeah, that might be a decent workaround for some stuff.

[erikerikson]

I can lack(/not have) a jacket because I choose not to bring one with me. I don't think lack necessarily makes any assertions about choosing to lack something.