[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.

[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.

[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.