First you need to define homeless?

Just counting those that use shelters only touches a small percentage of those without homes. Many homeless people never stay at shelters, they jump from one friends place to another throughout the year.

Many have suffered marital breakups, job losses which results in them being homeless even though this segment manages to find places to stay most nights. This could go on for months until they land a new job or partner and often these people are in cycles.

Going from having a home to being homeless is cyclical for a great many people.

I don't think it really matters how many people are homeless, for the simple fact we should only concern ourselves with those seeking to have a fixed address. If we do that the numbers are relatively small nationally and easily dealt with.