poor / poverty: Seek to avoid references to “the poor” or “poor people.” Use “low income,” “people living at the poverty level,” “people living in poverty.” The poverty level in the U.S. is the income level deemed insufficient for a family or individual to have essential items for living.
homeless / homelessness: Avoid using “the homeless.” Use constructions such as “people without homes,” “homeless people, “people without housing.” “Homeless shelter” is acceptable for a building that provides temporary refuge for those without homes.