Ian is correct. In the US, we would not understand that a term 'rough sleeper' means someone who is homeless.

They are the same thing... Just that homeless is used in the USA, and rough sleeper is British English. In South Africa we say homeless as well. I actually used to work in an organisation that helps homeless people get off the streets.

Hi Mary, Ian is rightly siad

I think "rough sleeper" is a phrase that is more common in England. In America, we usually say "homeless."