This Is What You Need to Know about Developing a Coordinated Approach to Youth Homelessness
One of the most undercounted segments of Americans living without homes remains young people. This has become especially problematic in recent years due to increases in the number of young people experiencing homelessness. On any given night in 2017, estimates showed that about 41,000 individuals, ages 24 or younger, were homeless — a large fraction of which represents people under age 18.
Over the course of a year, organizations estimated that about 550,000 youths will experience homelessness for at least a week. Because of the difficulties involved in counting those without homes, these figures are most likely less than the actual numbers. Communities across the country are constantly working on ways to improve estimates, especially as the number of youths without homes increases.
Factors Contributing to Youth Homelessness
Several different factors contribute to youth homelessness. Most often, family conflict is at the core of young people who do not have stable homes. Poverty and housing security also play a role. Furthermore, mental health issues and substance abuse disorders contribute. Research has shown that individuals who have received welfare as a child or become involved with the juvenile justice system are more likely to experience homelessness.
The overall outlook is more complicated when consideration is given to the trauma that young people experience immediately before becoming homeless and then while experiencing homelessness. Young people are more likely to be exploited and become victims of sexual trafficking.
Some of the young populations most at risk include pregnant girls, people with disabilities, and individuals who identify as LGBTQ. Studies have shown that up to 40 percent of youth experiencing homelessness identify as LGBTQ. In addition, African American and Native American youth have higher rates of homelessness.
Working Toward a Future with Fewer Youths on the Street
Last year, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provided $33 million in grants to 10 different communities across the country to tackle the problem of youth homelessness. Four of the communities receiving grants were in rural areas. The money funds both traditional and creative approaches to reducing the number of young people living on the street. Some of the more traditional strategies include providing temporary or permanent housing. Other communities are exploring innovations such as “host homes,” which place youth experiencing homelessness with families that have received special training to help young people process trauma.
One of the major recipients of federal funding is San Francisco, which has also dedicated some of its own city funds to the issue. Most of the money earmarked for youth homelessness, more than $4 million, will go toward housing subsidies. Outside of San Francisco, other cities and states are looking for alternatives to reduce the number of young people without stable housing.
For example, Seattle has refocused its efforts on helping individuals reunite with their families and rebuild stable relationships. Chicago has invested in mobile street teams that provide legal assistance to young people without homes. Maryland signed a law that provides tuition waivers for unaccompanied homeless youth. Illinois recently passed a bill that allows homeless minors between the ages of 16 and 18 to move into temporary housing without parental consent.
Creating a Coordinated Response to Youth Homelessness
The youth homelessness issue is complex and calls for a diversified approach. In addition to stable housing through low-barrier programs, young individuals need supportive and consistent relationships with adults, as well as access to resources that will help them realize long-term success. These services need to include better access to education and employment, which promotes independence.
Additionally, time is critical when working with the youth population. Young people on the streets are at risk of developing mental health problems and substance dependence, not to mention the physical, mental and sexual abuse they often face.
One important strategies for reducing youth homelessness is family reunification, but only when this option is both safe and appropriate. Many programs already help youth experiencing homelessness reconnect with their families, but some advocates believe that this should be the first-line approach. If possible, programs should identify young individuals particularly at risk of becoming homeless and provide options, such as therapy, to improve family relations.
Family reunification is not always an appropriate option. Young people may leave home because of abuse, whether they have already experienced it or they fear it would occur if they did not depart. For these individuals, additional and more robust housing programs are necessary. Some jurisdictions have already adopted rapid rehousing models for use with youth and young adults. These programs should come with supportive programs tailored specifically for the needs of these vulnerable populations.
Altogether, the response needs to be a coherent body of thoughts and plans. Today, no coordinated system exists for serving young people experiencing homelessness. This means that they often do not know where to turn or may receive services that make them hesitant to engage with the system again. Local, state and federal programs should work together to have a well-coordinated community response.
