Homelessness & Housing Instability

Homelessness is a major concern in the United States, and young people (ages 24 and under) may be the age group most at risk of becoming homeless.¹ The number of youth who have experienced homelessness varies depending on the age range, time frame, and definition used, but sources estimate that as many as 4.2 million youth and young adults (approximately one in 30 youth ages 13–17 and one in 10 young adults ages 18–25) experience homelessness within the United States each year.²

Youth experience homelessness for a multitude of reasons, but involvement in the juvenile justice or child welfare systems, abuse, neglect, abandonment, and severe family conflicts all have been associated with increased risk of experiencing homelessness. According to the Congressional Research Service report on Runaway and Homeless Youth: Demographics and Programs, family conflict often is due to factors such as school problems, substance use, or pregnancy.³ These youth are vulnerable to a range of negative experiences, including exploitation and victimization. Many of the risk factors for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness also are adverse impacts of experiencing homelessness. For example, youth who have run away and youth affected by homelessness have high rates of involvement in the juvenile justice system, are more likely to engage in substance use and unlawful behavior, be teenage parents, drop out of high school, suffer from sexually transmitted diseases, and meet the criteria for mental health conditions.⁴

Experiences of unaccompanied youth affected by homelessness differ from those who experience homelessness with their families. Although negative occurrences persist for youth experiencing homelessness with their families, their experiences may not vary drastically from youth living in poverty.⁵ Studies also have found distinct variability in outcomes among youth experiencing homelessness, suggesting that youth experience homelessness differently.⁶ Whether youth experience homelessness alone or in a family, it can impact their life and future outcomes. Research shows that children and youth who experience homelessness are more likely to experience homelessness in adulthood.⁷

Providing timely prevention and direct interventions to youth at risk of or experiencing homelessness and youth who have run away is important to protect them from the risks of living on the streets and to support positive youth development;⁸ yet despite the risks and needs of these youth, few appear to know of and access support services.⁹ Even more critical is addressing family/parental needs to prevent youth and/or their families from experiencing homelessness and addressing their behavioral health needs through comprehensive methods that involve both youth and their families.

Resources 

Engaging Youth Experiencing Homelessness: Core Practices and Services (PDF, 38 pages)
This publication describes practices and services that Health Care for the Homeless agencies have found helpful in engaging youth who are experiencing homelessness.

References