Invisible Youth Homeless Crisis

Each year, an estimated 4.2 million youth and young adults experience homelessness in the United States, 700,000 of which are unaccompanied minors—meaning they are not part of a family or accompanied by a parent or guardian. These estimates indicate that approximately one in 10 adults ages 18 to 25, and one in 30 youth ages 13 to 17 will experience homelessness each year.

This is likely an undercount due to varying definitions of homelessness and challenges with contacting unhoused people, particularly unhoused youth. Homelessness is often hidden among youth and young adults since many are not in shelters and may transition between temporary sleeping arrangements with friends or acquaintances. National survey data reflects that homelessness affects youth living in rural, suburban and urban communities at similar rates. 

Youth homelessness is a complex issue that intersects with multiple public and private entities. To deliver effective services for youth experiencing homelessness, state legislators can consider coordinating with municipal governments and others including state agencies, advocates, legal and health care professionals, philanthropic organizations, people who have experienced homelessness and other stakeholders.

Information ascertained from the NCSL website (read more).