Growing Up Without a Safe Place to Sleep: The Startling Reality of Youth Homelessness

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Growing Up Without a Safe Place to Sleep: The Startling Reality of Youth Homelessness    

                                                                                  (Best, 2022)

   The prevalence of homelessness is a serious issue affecting millions worldwide, carrying long-term negative physical, mental, and social consequences. For children and youth under 18, the experience of housing insecurity and homelessness exposes youth to difficulties with learning, emotional regulation, cognition, and social skills (Grattan et al., 2022).  Further, homeless youth suffer an increased risk of victimization, as many face the streets without companionship or parental guardianship. Understanding and preventing youth homelessness is of the utmost importance, as is developing resources to support youth without safe shelter. 

Understanding Youth Homelessness

    Research approximates nearly 1.5 million children experiencing homelessness in the United States annually (Grattan et al., 2022). This research further suggests nearly 4% and 8% of adolescents and young adults face homelessness and housing insecurity. Morton et al. (2018) provide federal definitions of youth homelessness based on The Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act of 2009, which focuses on sleeping arrangements. The definition covers unsheltered and sheltered conditions ranging from public areas, shelters, or staying with others (i.e., couch surfing) to conditions such as fleeing unsafe circumstances.
    Individual risk factors include but are not limited to a family history of homelessness, a history of running away from home, a poor academic record, substance abuse issues, delinquency, exposure to trauma or violence, or mental illness (Grattan et al., 2022.) Moreover, LGBTQ+ youth are 120% more likely to experience homelessness than heterosexual or cisgender youth, with "coming out" presenting increased risk (Ormiston, 2022).

Unique Challenges and Impact

    Adults experiencing homelessness often report instances of discrimination or victimization as a consequence of their housing insecurity (Grattan et al., 2022.). Youth are exposed to similar conditions, though they are presented with uniquely challenging circumstances as they navigate their condition without adequate guardianship (Morton et al., 2018). 
    Homeless youth are more likely to be the victim of trafficking, exploitation, or violence, compounding with the traumatic experience of homelessness. Further, their educational experience is severely impacted, with an increased risk of poor academic outcomes. Lastly, an increased risk of early pregnancy and increased negative health determinants pose an even greater threat as youth routinely experience structural barriers to receiving healthcare. This increases their risk of early death. Moreover, youth experiencing housing insecurity are more likely to experience homelessness into adulthood, demonstrating the crucial importance of early intervention.

Resources and Support 

    For youth at risk or in need of assistance in Portland, Oregon, several local organizations and resources are available free of cost. Home Plate Youth Services offers laundry and shower facilities and assistance connecting with housing, employment, or educational services. Insight Teen Parent Services supports parents under 22, including clothing and diapers. The LivingRoom at New Avenues for Youth offers LBGTQ+ youths 14-20 drop-in peer support and access to a resource closet. 
    Nonprofit and award-winning Portland social justice newspaper StreetRoots has compiled a comprehensive guide of local resources and reduced-cost services called Rose City Resource. Follow this link to their online guide, or stop by their Vendor Office for free booklets in sets of 20 up to a box of 180. 

How to Help

    This issue is incredibly relevant and pressing, with as many as 1 in 10 young adults and 1 in 30 children experiencing homelessness yearly (Voices of Youth Count – Chapin Hall, n.d). Children and youth in your school, work, or community may be in need of assistance. Any action of any size can help and provide hope to a child in need. Donate clothes, such as jeans or winter coats, to local organizations. Other essential items such as reusable grocery bags, socks, feminine hygiene products, beauty products, and bus fare tickets are often overlooked but make an incredible difference. 
    Individuals of any age experiencing homelessness are subject to stigma and social isolation. Moreover, children and youth are often left without a trustworthy adult or emotional support network to lean on. Besides volunteering or providing financial support, a simple way to make a big difference is to practice empathetic connection and understanding toward those experiencing hardship and provide information or contact information to local resources. 






References 


Best, B. (2022, October 19). Homeless youth in SW Portland struggle to get off the streets | kgw.com. https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/homeless/youth-homeless-camp-sw-portland-outside-in/283-889afa3e-eb39-430e-93f7-1952ee999d42
Grattan, R. E., Tryon, V. L., Lara, N., Gabrielian, S. E., Melnikow, J., & Niendam, T. A. (2022). Risk and Resilience Factors for Youth Homelessness in Western Countries: A Systematic Review. Psychiatric Services, 73(4), 425–438. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.202000133
Morton, M. H., Dworsky, A., Matjasko, J. L., Curry, S. R., Schlueter, D., Chávez, R., & Farrell, A. F. (2018). Prevalence and Correlates of Youth Homelessness in the United States. Journal of Adolescent Health, 62(1), 14–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2017.10.006
Ormiston, C. K. (2022). LGBTQ Youth Homelessness: Why We Need to Protect Our LGBTQ Youth. LGBT Health. https://doi.org/10.1089/lgbt.2021.0324
Voices of Youth Count – Chapin Hall. (n.d.). Retrieved May 27, 2024, from https://www.chapinhall.org/project/voices-of-youth-count/

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