Homelessness is a phenomenon which has raised many questions concerning social integration. Three traditions confront one another in society's reaction to homelessness: Should the homeless be controlled, repulsed or punished? Should they be the objects of charity without expectations? Should they instead be helped to change and become more acceptable, more desirable so to speak, to society? The study of the relational dimensions of homelessness enables a better understanding of the difficulties encountered in intervention practices and contributes to adapting more adequately the support relationship to the homeless clientele.