Homelessness is a major public health crisis facing millions of youths across the United States. As many as 3.5 million young adults ages 18 to 25 experience homelessness in the US annually.
Unfortunately, there are more youth experiencing homelessness than there are resources available. Up to 40% of youth experiencing homelessness identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+). They are also disproportionately youth of color.
Homelessness is often the result of multiple factors including historical and present systemic racism, discrimination, and socio-economic inequities, including:
- economic circumstances like poverty and housing insecurity;
- systemic racism, discrimination, and violence;
- mental health and substance use disorders; and
- harmful effects of the child welfare and juvenile court system.
Learn more by downloading the full report.
