In the U.S., federal funding for transitional housing programs was originally allocated in the McKinney–Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1986.FoyersFoyers are a specific type of transitional housing designed for homeless or at-risk teens. Foyers are generally institutions that provide affordable accommodation as well as support and training services for residents. They were pioneered in the 1990s in the United Kingdom, but have been adopted in areas in Australia and the United States as well. Supportive housingSupportive housing is a combination of housing and services intended as a cost-effective way to help people live more stable, productive lives. Supportive housing works well for those who face the most complex challenges – individuals and families confronted with homelessness who also have very low incomes or serious, persistent issues such as substance use disorder, addictions, alcohol use disorder, mental illness, HIV/AIDS, or other serious challenges. A 2021 systematic review of 28 interventions, mostly in North America, showed that interventions with highest levels of support led to improved outcomes for both housing stability, and health outcomes.Government initiatives
In South Australia, the state government of Premier Mike Rann (2002–2011) committed substantial funding to a series of initiatives designed to combat homelessness. Advised by Social Inclusion Commissioner David Cappo and the founder of New Yorks Common Ground program, Rosanne Haggerty, the Rann government established Common Ground Adelaide, building high-quality inner city apartments (combined with intensive support) for "rough sleeping" homeless people.
Some see homelessness as more free than living in a house or apartment, and prefer being in nature, as well as away from other people. Some may have had a traumatic experience in a house or apartment, such as a fire, and feel safer outside, being able to survey their surroundings. Challenges
The basic problem of homelessness is the need for personal shelter, warmth, and safety. Other difficulties include:

Hygiene and sanitary facilities
Hostility from the public and laws against urban vagrancy
Cleaning and drying of clothes
Obtaining, preparing, and storing food
Keeping contact with friends, family, and government service providers without a permanent location or mailing address
Medical problems, including issues caused by an individuals homeless state (e.g., hypothermia or frostbite from sleeping outside in cold weather), or issues which are exacerbated by homelessness due to lack of access to treatment (e.g., mental health and the individual not having a place to store prescription drugs)
Personal security, quiet, and privacy, especially for sleeping, bathing, and other hygiene activities
Safekeeping of bedding, clothing, and possessions, which may have to be carried at all timesPeople experiencing homelessness face many problems beyond the lack of a safe and suitable home.