M1 · Understanding Homelessness
M1
Slide 8
CONTENT
ETHOS Light - Six Operational Categories
For statistical monitoring and comparability, ETHOS was simplified into ETHOS Light, which contains six operational categories:
1.LIVING ON THE STREETS
People living on the streets or outdoors
2.EMERGENCY ACCOMMODATION
People in emergency accommodation
3.TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION
People in temporary accommodation for homeless persons
4.LEAVING INSTITUTIONS
People leaving institutions without secured housing
5.NON-CONVENTIONAL DWELLINGS
People living in non-conventional dwellings
6.STAYING WITH FRIENDS/FAMILY
People temporarily staying with friends or family due to lack of housing
ETHOS Light is significant because it:

Creates a common European language

Enables cross-country comparison

Improves measurement of hidden homelessness

Supports evidence-based policy development

However, not all countries fully adopt all ETHOS Light categories in national legislation. As a result, certain groups may remain statistically invisible.