“Rough sleeping” doesn’t mean “homeless.” It means “sleeping outside without shelter.” Homeless people live in cars, shelters, or on friends’ couches, too, not just literally on the street.
Point taken and appreciated. I agree that homeless is a bit of a catch-all, but I'm not sure that we have any equivalent phrase to rough sleeping in the US (at least on the East Coast). When I hear the word homeless, I first think of people living on the streets.
"unsheltered" is the term used in the US.
Haven't heard it used much, but it makes total sense. Thanks!
Do you count tents and cars as shelter that disqualifies "sleeping rough"? I wouldn't, but you included cars in your counter example.