Person-First Language and Why It Matters

Introduction

Language shapes how we think about and respond to social issues. The words we choose can either reinforce stigma and stereotypes or promote dignity and understanding. When discussing homelessness, a critical linguistic distinction has emerged in recent years: the shift from identity-first language ("homeless person," "the homeless") to person-first language ("person experiencing homelessness").

This article explores the concept of person-first language, why it matters in discussions about homelessness, the evidence supporting its use, and how this seemingly small linguistic shift can contribute to more effective and compassionate approaches to addressing housing instability.

What Is Person-First Language?

Person-first language is a linguistic practice that puts the person before their condition or circumstance. It emphasizes that individuals are not defined by a single aspect of their experience.

The Basic Principle

The core concept is straightforward: refer to the person first, then to the condition or circumstance they are experiencing. This approach:

• Acknowledges the whole person beyond any single characteristic
• Recognizes that circumstances are often temporary and changeable
• Separates a person's identity from their current situation
• Emphasizes shared humanity rather than differences

Examples in Practice

Person-first language transforms how we speak about homelessness:

Identity-First Language	Person-First Language
Homeless person	Person experiencing homelessness
The homeless	People experiencing homelessness
Homeless population	Population experiencing homelessness
Homeless veteran	Veteran experiencing homelessness
Homeless youth	Youth experiencing homelessness

Why Person-First Language Matters

The shift to person-first language has significant implications for how we understand and address homelessness:

Recognizing Homelessness as Temporary

For most people, homelessness is a temporary circumstance, not a permanent condition:

• Research shows that approximately 80% of people who experience homelessness do so for less than a year
• The term "homeless person" implies a fixed state or identity
• "Person experiencing homelessness" acknowledges the temporary nature of the situation
• This framing maintains hope and expectation for change

Reducing Stigma and Dehumanization

Identity-first language can contribute to stigmatization:

• Labels like "the homeless" create an artificial division between "them" and "us"
• This division makes it easier to attribute negative characteristics to an entire group
• Person-first language reminds us of shared humanity
• It challenges the tendency to see homelessness as defining someone's entire identity

Shifting Focus to Structural Causes

Language choices influence how we understand causality:

• "Homeless person" can subtly reinforce the idea that homelessness is an individual characteristic or failure
• "Person experiencing homelessness" suggests an external circumstance that has happened to someone
• This framing makes it easier to recognize structural and systemic factors
• It encourages solutions focused on changing circumstances rather than "fixing" people

Empowering People with Lived Experience

Person-first language respects the preferences of many who have experienced homelessness:

• Many people with lived experience reject being defined by their housing status
• Person-first language acknowledges their full humanity and complex identities
• It respects their agency and self-definition
• This approach aligns with the principle of "nothing about us without us"

"I was never 'homeless' as an identity. I was always a mother, a daughter, a worker, a friend who happened to be experiencing homelessness at that time in my life. That experience shaped me but it never defined me."

Evidence Supporting Person-First Language

Research across multiple fields supports the importance of person-first language:

Impact on Public Perception

Studies show that language choices influence how people think about social issues:

• A 2020 study found that articles using "homeless person" language elicited more individual blame attributions from readers than those using person-first language
• Research participants exposed to person-first language were more likely to support structural solutions like affordable housing
• Media analysis shows that identity-first language often appears alongside more negative portrayals

Effects on Self-Perception

Language affects how people experiencing homelessness view themselves:

• Qualitative research indicates that being labeled as "homeless" can damage self-concept and hope
• Identity-first language can contribute to internalized stigma
• Person-first language helps maintain a sense of self beyond current circumstances
• This preservation of identity supports resilience during housing crises

Influence on Service Provision

How service providers speak affects their approach:

• Organizations that adopt person-first language often show more individualized, strengths-based approaches
• Staff training in person-first language has been linked to more respectful interactions
• Person-first language correlates with service models that emphasize choice and autonomy
• These approaches typically show better engagement and outcomes

Impact on Policy Development

Language shapes policy frameworks:

• Policy documents using person-first language tend to focus more on structural solutions
• Identity-first language in policies often correlates with more punitive or controlling measures
• The shift to person-first language in federal guidance has paralleled more housing-focused approaches

Person-First Language in Context

While person-first language is important, it exists within a broader context of respectful communication:

Beyond Terminology: The Importance of Narrative

Person-first language is most effective when part of a thoughtful overall approach:

• Simply changing terms while maintaining stigmatizing narratives has limited impact
• Person-first language should accompany accurate, contextual information about homelessness
• The most effective communications combine respectful language with structural analysis
• Personal stories should be shared in ways that highlight dignity and agency

Respecting Individual Preferences

While person-first language is generally preferred, individual choices matter:

• Some people with lived experience of homelessness may prefer different terminology
• Identity-first language is sometimes reclaimed as an act of solidarity or activism
• When speaking with individuals, it's best to mirror their preferred language
• For general communications, person-first language remains the most respectful default

Cultural and Historical Context

Language preferences evolve and vary across contexts:

• Different communities and countries may have varying language conventions
• Historical context shapes how terms are understood and received
• Language should be adapted to specific cultural contexts while maintaining respect
• Ongoing dialogue with affected communities should inform language choices

Person-First Language in Other Contexts

The principle extends beyond homelessness:

• Similar shifts have occurred in discussing disability ("person with a disability" vs. "disabled person")
• Addiction and recovery communities often prefer "person with substance use disorder" to "addict"
• Mental health advocacy promotes "person with schizophrenia" rather than "schizophrenic"
• These parallel movements share the goal of reducing stigma and recognizing full personhood

Implementing Person-First Language

Adopting person-first language requires intentional practice and awareness:

In Personal Communication

Individual language choices make a difference:

• Be mindful of terminology in everyday conversations
• Gently model person-first language when others use identity-first terms
• Explain the reasoning behind person-first language when appropriate
• Remember that changing habits takes time and practice

In Professional Settings

Organizations can promote person-first language:

• Develop style guides and communication policies that specify person-first language
• Provide training for staff on respectful communication
• Review and update all materials, websites, and forms
• Include people with lived experience in developing communication guidelines

In Media and Journalism

Media professionals have particular responsibility:

• Follow updated style guides that recommend person-first language
• Consider how language choices frame the narrative
• Pair person-first language with accurate context about homelessness
• Include voices of people with lived experience

In Advocacy and Public Education

Advocates can promote language awareness:

• Explicitly address language in educational materials
• Connect language choices to broader issues of dignity and respect
• Develop resources explaining the importance of person-first language
• Model consistent use in all communications

Common Questions and Concerns

Several questions often arise about person-first language:

"Isn't 'Person Experiencing Homelessness' Just Wordier?"

Addressing concerns about brevity:

• Yes, person-first language often uses more words
• This additional specificity serves an important purpose in accuracy and respect
• After initial use, "people" or "individuals" can be used for brevity
• The slight additional length is outweighed by the benefits of more accurate framing

"Does Language Really Matter That Much?"

Understanding the significance of terminology:

• Language both reflects and shapes how we think
• Research consistently shows that framing influences perception and policy support
• People with lived experience report that language affects how they are treated
• While language alone won't solve homelessness, it's an important component of respectful, effective approaches

"What About Other Terms Like 'Unhoused' or 'Houseless'?"

Exploring alternative terminology:

• Terms like "unhoused" or "houseless" are also used in some communities
• These terms emphasize that the issue is lack of housing, not lack of a "home"
• They can be used with person-first construction: "person who is unhoused"
• Different communities may prefer different terms; what's most important is maintaining respect and recognizing personhood

"Isn't This Just Political Correctness?"

Addressing dismissive reactions:

• Person-first language is about accuracy and effectiveness, not political ideology
• Research supports its impact on reducing stigma and improving outcomes
• Many fields (medicine, social work, public health) have adopted person-first language based on evidence
• The goal is more precise, respectful communication that leads to better solutions

Conclusion

Person-first language represents more than a semantic preference—it reflects a fundamental shift in how we understand homelessness and the people who experience it. By saying "person experiencing homelessness" instead of "homeless person," we acknowledge that homelessness is a circumstance, not an identity; a temporary situation, not a defining characteristic.

This linguistic shift has real-world implications. It reduces stigma, promotes dignity, focuses attention on structural causes, and aligns with the expressed preferences of many people with lived experience. Research supports its effectiveness in changing perceptions and approaches to homelessness.

As we work toward more effective, compassionate responses to homelessness, person-first language serves as both a practical tool and a powerful symbol. It reminds us that behind every statistic and policy discussion are real people—complex, multifaceted individuals whose current housing situation is just one aspect of their lives. By putting the person first in our language, we take an important step toward putting people first in our solutions.

References & Further Reading

1. American Psychological Association. "Bias-Free Language: People With Disabilities." APA Publication Manual (7th ed.), 2020. https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/bias-free-language/disability
2. National Alliance to End Homelessness. "Changes in Terminology." NAEH, 2020. https://endhomelessness.org/resource/changes-in-terminology/
3. Toro, P.A. et al. "Framing the Issue of Homelessness: Effects on Public Attitudes." Journal of Social Distress and Homelessness, vol. 28, no. 2, 2019, pp. 127-135. https://doi.org/10.1080/10530789.2019.1622360
4. Dunn, D.S. and Andrews, E.E. "Person-First and Identity-First Language: Developing Psychologists' Cultural Competence Using Disability Language." American Psychologist, vol. 70, no. 3, 2015, pp. 255-264. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0038636
5. Zapata, M. "Homelessness Research & Action Collaborative." Portland State University, 2023. https://www.pdx.edu/homelessness/
6. U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. "All In: The Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness." USICH, 2022. https://www.usich.gov/all-in
7. National Health Care for the Homeless Council. "Homelessness & Health: What's the Connection?" NHCHC, 2019. https://nhchc.org/understanding-homelessness/faq/
8. Corrigan, P.W. "The Impact of Stigma on Severe Mental Illness." Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, vol. 5, no. 2, 1998, pp. 201-222. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1077-7229(98)80006-0