Homelessness is a social phenomenon that manifests itself equally in Poland and all over the world. Despite the continuous development of civilization, homelessness does not decrease, but rather increases. When raising the issue of homelessness, one should keep in mind its complexity and the impossibility of unambiguous wording. No less difficult is the task of revealing the main cause that would help slow down the development of such a serious social problem. The article draws attention to the social phenomenon of homelessness not only from the standpoint of lack of permanent residence, but also considers the individual characteristics of the homeless, taking into consideration such issues as: individuality of emotions and personal tendencies, specific attitude to self-perception, attitude to the family, attitude to the life stabilization, the ability to solve existential problems, the specifics of cultural behavior. The author points out the social causes of homelessness, such as: certain factors related to addictions, personality disorders, disability, as well as serious diseases that require expensive treatment, social factors arising from family conflicts, educational institutions or rehabilitation centers, structural factors related to unemployment, poverty and housing problems. The author of the article admits that the percentage of education among homeless people will increase if society pays enough attention to the homeless, and provides the special assistance to this category of people. It is also emphasized that assistance to the homeless should be offered in the following areas: psychological assistance, which can clarify the reasons that led a person to a difficult life situation, social care — in order to return homeless people to normal functioning in the society; career guidance assistance: cooperation with the institutions that will find jobs for the homeless people.