essay on homeless youth

236 Brilliant Homelessness Essay Topics & Free Paper Examples

Homelessness is a compound problem that consists of many different aspects and causes, and you want to discuss as many as possible in your essay on homelessness. Check our article to get homelessness essay topics and thesis ideas, research questions, and inspiration from free paper examples!

🌎 How to Write a Homelessness Essay

🏆 best homelessness topics & essay examples, 👍 good homeless essay topics, ⭐ simple & easy homelessness essay titles, 💡 interesting topics to write about homelessness, ✍️ homelessness essay topics for college, 📑 memorable research topics about homelessness, ❓ research questions about homelessness.

Some people encounter obstacles in their lives and end up on the streets while they try to find a new job and improve their livelihood. Others become homeless veterans, resigning to a life without a proper dwelling.

There are also rare people who choose a homeless lifestyle of their own volition due to personal beliefs. Such individuals may be better off than the rest, but they still warrant an inspection. Depending on the category you want to discuss, you will have to select an appropriate homelessness essay thesis.

You should discuss homelessness as a systemic issue that happens to a group of people. You may use individual cases as illustrations for some of your points, but anecdotal evidence is not sufficient for strong statements.

Statistics and scholarly articles are preferable sources, though you may use journalistic pieces to support a theoretical framework. If you do so, make sure that the articles maintain an objective tone and try to remain impartial instead of appealing to feelings.

Poor journalism is possibly even less trustworthy than the unsupervised websites your instructions may have warned you to avoid. Their use would damage the credibility of your essay and, therefore, its impact.

As can be seen from the above, the reasons why people may become homeless are an excellent topic for discussion. You can link the people who are temporarily homeless to the region’s economic performance or similar factors.

Additional research would be necessary to do so, including economic analyses and interviews with homeless people. Nevertheless, the discussion will show your insight and originality in linking different ideas to explain phenomena.

It will also demonstrate your knowledge of various economic and political topics and further your understanding of social factors. You can also use a discussion of the reasons why people may lose their homes as a homelessness essay hook to shift to their current situation.

On its own, homelessness may be viewed in a manner similar to that of unemployment, with some degree of it being unavoidable and necessary to power the real estate industry. However, when people remain without a residence for an extended period, their state becomes an issue and should be explored.

In your homelessness essay topics, you should discuss the reasons why homeless people may be unable to obtain a permanent home. Physical factors such as the inability to obtain a job or the high prices of housing are excellent examples.

Mental issues such as depression and other conditions also warrant discussion. You will be able to obtain a more complete overview of the issue by inspecting its various components.

Here are some additional tips for your essay:

• The phenomenon of homelessness as it occurs on a societal level has been researched thoroughly. You may voice original ideas, but make sure that they are supported with strong evidence.
• Try to differentiate between various categories of homeless people. Homogenizing them without considering their differences and attitudes may lead you to make mistaken assessments.
• Try to consult historical data to identify periods when homelessness rose or fell and associate them with other events. You may discover effective or ineffective policy, economic growth and crises, or other ideas you can use.

Come to IvyPanda for homelessness essay titles and other helpful paper samples!

• On How to Eradicate Homelessness The truth of the matter is that majority of the homeless are people with dreams, ambitions and desire to succeed. According to the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, paucity has been the key […]
• Homelessness and its Solutions This problem is caused by either inability to afford the costs of proper medication or as a result of the congestion within the concentration camps of the homeless.
• The Causes and Impacts of Homelessness Liberalists argue that homelessness results from the general nature and the poor economic structures and the manner in which finances and resources are distributed in the society.
• Homelessness in the US: Causes and Solutions Due to the income disparity, insufficient accommodations, and racial inequality, the homelessness crisis in the US has been exacerbated. To recommend the most appropriate and effective policies, the causes should be analyzed in detail.
• Mumbai Great Problem: Homelessness Problem in Cities From the discussion of the categories of the homeless, it is clear that it can prove to be difficult to define what homelessness truly is.
• Homelessness as a Social Issue Research further indicates that the group is at a high risk of suffering from addiction in an effort to contain stress and ignominy associated with homelessness.
• Tell Them Who I am, the lives of Homeless Women by Elliot Liebow The writer though reports that it is not the interest of women to be homeless since they have the capacity to work and provide themselves with whatever they want.
• Homelessness as a Global Social Issue In the US, homelessness is on the increase because of economic melt- down and foreclosures. Moreover, differences in perception of homelessness by liberal and conservative on homeless have increased homelessness in the US.
• Homelessness in the US The existing policies do not address the problem of homelessness in the US. The constitution was adjusted in 1949 to cater for the needs of the poor in society.
• Helping the Homeless in the Community The main task during the two hours is preparing cutlery and to serving the food to the homeless people. We particularly have to focus on the living conditions of the homeless people to highlight the […]
• Homelessness and Housing in Oneida County and City of Utica This research aims to assess the well-being of the community of Oneida County and the City of Utica, using the data on homelessness rates and housing prices.
• Kids and Youth Homelessness: Facts and Statistics in the United States There have been numerous government interventions in the form of policies since the times of the Great Depression, but the number of homeless children and teenagers has only increased.
• Overpopulation and Homelessness in the Modern World According to the United Nations, more than half of the population resides in urban areas, making the problem of homelessness visible: cities cannot keep up with the high demand for housing, resulting in people living […]
• Why Is Being Homeless Not a Bad Idea? Another benefit of living on the streets is a chance to be withdrawn from the misery of modern life and technological advancements.
• Social Work and Homelessness Research Methodology A randomized controlled trial will be conducted to answer the following research question: what is the effectiveness of the Housing First program to street homelessness based on the experiences of both human service professionals and […]
• Giving Money to the Homeless: Is It Important? The question of whether a person should give money to a homeless person or not is a complicated one and cannot have the right answer.
• Homelessness Studies and Their Ethical Dimensions It is clear that the individuals were not made aware of the consequences of these experiments. Such research can be made ethical if researchers devote more attention to people’s health during and after the trials’ […]
• Human Services and Needs Assessment of Homeless In the case study by Giffords, Alonso, and Bell, the purpose of gathering needs information is to assess and record the level of individual adolescents’ skills. A needs assessment is crucial for identifying the goals […]
• “Death of a Homeless Man” by Scott Russell Sanders The author stresses that the aim of the story is not simply to inform about the fact or some statistics concerning poverty or alcoholism in the USA.
• Homelessness in the United States Additionally, a variety of factors contributes to homelessness and they are deep within the makeup of the economy thus homelessness has remained an area of concern to the government, the social service providers and the […]
• Homelessness as a Major Healthcare Issue As such, relocating the money to provide shelter and improve housing for homeless people would ensure a positive result of spending the budget to care for the homeless.
• Homelessness: Improving Health Outcomes However, in the 1880s, the public perceptions of homelessness improved following the development of literature that appreciated their courage and willingness to deviate from monotony and oppression associated with industrial work.
• Cultural Immersion Project for Homeless Group My practice was relatively positive and in line with the expectations and previously received information about the cultural group, as clients voluntarily underwent training and sought to reduce the level of aggression.
• Health Problems Among Homeless People To sum up, it should be noted that homeless people, one of the most vulnerable groups in society, suffer from numerous health problems.
• Homelessness in the Context of Middle-Range Theories The purpose of this paper is to discuss the selected vulnerable group and its current health and social issues and then to analyze the application of several middle-range theories to the mentioned issues.
• The Issue of Homelessness in New York City The enormous drop in the number of single-room dwelling units in New York City during the rise of contemporary homelessness was the most crucial single shift in the city’s housing stock.
• Le Guin’s “The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas” and Homelessness in the U.S. This paper aims to briefly summarize the plot and the themes of this short story and relate it to the current problem of homelessness in the United States.
• Debunking the Myths on Homelessness: Misconceptions About the Social Status and Mental Health The point of concern is that the housing market, particularly in the United States, does not have enough low-cost living space that is affordable to the economical marginals and people with low income.
• The Problem of Homeless People in Modern World In 1987, the number of homeless people in Canada was between 100,000 and 250,000 out of a total population of 28 million people. There are several negative impacts of homelessness to the homeless people.
• The Real Needs of Homeless Youth in the United States Another threat for the homeless youth is sex trafficking the occurrence of which was documented in all the states of the USA.
• Homelessness in Australia: Geography of Unhealthy Housing The two primary domains that govern the social welfare needs of this population group are income support and housing assistance; however, there can be limitations in these policies that impact the well-being of homeless Australians.
• The Rights of the Homeless and the Contradictions of the Law Thus, there is a direct contradiction in this and similar municipal laws to the provision of the Constitution, as the Court of Appeals affirmed.
• Safe Golf in Sacramento: Solving the Homelessness Problem There are many problems and misunderstandings related to the problem of homelessness in Sacramento, but the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex is probably the most damaged organization in this context.
• Homelessness Solutions for the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex The point is that there is a homeless encampment behind the organization on Roseville Road, and the behavior and lifestyles of its resident deter golfers and potential guests of the complex from playing at the […]
• Homelessness in the Veteran Community Such social conditions may consist of bureaucracy, the lack of government investments, class distribution, the lack of ethical considerations within the scope of the legislation, and many others which can deprive the mentioned population of […]
• Nature and Importance of a Center for Homeless People The organizations offer community members an opportunity to give back to the community, and they will always be appreciated due to the fact that needy and homeless individuals will exist endlessly in the world.
• Understanding the Causes of Homelessness Poverty, in this case, was defined as the inability of a person to afford essential commodities such as food, shelter, and clothing. In this case, although alcoholism and drug use contributed to homelessness, the precedent […]
• Homeless People and Their Key Challenges Therefore, I continue to view homeless people as those deserving of equal compassion and sympathy as those having a home. Since I view homeless people as fellow human beings first, I continue to promote the […]
• Homeless as At-Risk Population Based on the statistics from the National Alliance to End Homelessness, about 580466 people were “experiencing homelessness on our streets and in shelters in America” as of 2020.
• Poverty and Homelessness as a Global Social Problem What makes the task of defining poverty particularly difficult is the discrepancy in the distribution of social capital and, therefore, the resulting differences in the understanding of what constitutes poverty, particularly, where the line should […]
• Organization’s Mission to End Homelessness The rate of homelessness has been steadily increasing over the last decade in the U.S.due to foreclosures and unprecedented recessionary cycles.
• Poverty and Homelessness in American Society It is connected with social segregation, stigmatization, and the inability of the person to improve their conditions of life. The problem of affordable housing and poverty among older adults is another problem that leads to […]
• Homeless Populations in the United States For example, power is the ability to affect and manage external resources related to human behaviors and decisions that contribute to social movements and community change.
• Providing Medical Care to Homeless People During the COVID-19 Pandemic The first barrier affecting the provision of medical care to the homeless is social. The first possible socio-economic support for changes may be the opening of a department in each hospital to work with the […]
• The Homelessness Issue in Canada The amount of Canadians who are homeless on any nightly basis in Canada is believed to be at least 35,000 people.even though the average duration of stay in emergency housing is about 50 days, more […]
• Drug Abuse Among Homeless Young Adults in New Jersey The reason why young adults in New Jersey get involved in drugs and alcohol after becoming homeless is to manage their situations in an attempt to attain the tentative pleasure of life despite their problems. […]
• Promoting Wellbeing in Homeless People: Group Fitness Intervention The authors of this article conducted the study to give insight into the importance of considering homeless people in the society they belong. The importance of the study was to encourage people to have inclusivity […]
• Homelessness in the US: Effectiveness of Intervention The issue of properly maintaining a home was addressed as the client learned how to adapt to a home by himself.
• Issue of Youth Homelessness in Canada The third and fourth factors, the lack of education and unemployment, are interconnected, resulting in inconsistent and low income and the inability to afford proper housing.
• Homeless People and COVID-19: Maricopa Country Moved Homeless People In other words, it is necessary to increase the level of social assistance to the homeless, increasing the availability of housing and social benefits.
• The Health Care Delivery System for Homeless States are currently working to enhance the delivery of health services to the homeless via different shelters, abandon buildings, programs, and so on.
• Homelessness: Its Causes, Effects, and Prevention In this article, the professors collaborate in addressing the issue of homelessness and its impact on public health. In this article, the authors focus on the effects of homelessness on economies and public health.
• Vancouver Homeless Problem and Solutions It does not address the main source of the problem the financial struggles of homeless people and their inability to pay the rent.
• The National Intensive Case Management Program for Homeless Veterans: Critique The program is assessed using the four principles of community psychology, which include problems addressed, values reflected in the program approach and methods, conceptual foundation of the program, and action and research tools.
• Individual-Level Predictors for Becoming Homeless and Exiting Homelessness The research will enhance my skills into pertinence in analysis surrounding the identification of homelessness. Ways and methods that enable the analysis of a population cohort with defined characteristics to the aspect issues that impact […]
• “Homelessness, Housing Insecurity and Social Exclusion” in Asian Regions The article Homelessness, housing insecurity and social exclusion in China, Hong Kong, and Japan, written by Kennett and Mizuuchi, examines the issue of homelessness in Asian regions, emphasizing housing insecurity in Hong Kong.
• Homelessness in Canada: Reflective Analysis This analysis is intended to be an academic reflection and to cover issues related to the clarification of the topic, personal experiences, and the connection of the problem to global citizenship.
• “Homelessness Monologue”: A Fictional Story He is also white, and his appearance is disheveled: the face appears dirty and tired and has bruises; the clothes are torn, and the shoes can barely protect the feet. The partition in the middle […]
• Homelessness in Northern California The residents of Northern California faced frustration and anxiety, raising health and safety fears and causing multiple debates about poverty and discrimination in one of the wealthiest states of the country.
• Homelessness in Los Angeles County, California Hence, the purpose of this research is to explore the background of the homelessness issue in Los Angeles County, California, and provide a specific health education program for the identified vulnerable population.
• Poverty and Homelessness as Social Problem The qualifications will include a recommendation from the community to ensure that the person is open to help and willing to be involved in the neighborhood of Non-Return.
• Single, Low-Income, or Homeless Mothers’ Health and Parenting Problems To promote their wellbeing, health professionals may support homeless mothers in practices such as the use of strengths-anchored nursing, supporting ideas of good parenting, overcoming stigma, and discovering and eliminating the unsurmountable hindrances encountered within […]
• Community Meeting on Homelessness in the US The purpose of the public deliberations was to help the City Council make more informed decisions about how homeless encampments should be serviced and managed in the future. Power and influence are some of the […]
• The Issue of Homeless Veterans I learned a lot in the framework of the issue of homeless veterans. Among the primary problems, there is the absence of programs for the rapid adaptation of servicemen to a peaceful life.
• Navigating the System For Families Experiencing Homelessness As a social phenomenon, it is caused by a complex of social, economic, civil, and cultural conflicts, as a result of which a part of the population is deprived of living conditions, which are recognized […]
• The Problem of Homelessness in Society Societies begin to realize that the growth of homelessness is partly their fault, and it is also their responsibility not to let this issue get worse.
• Health Care for the Homeless According to Gent, people tend to dehumanize the people they see on the streets and respond to them as they would to objects, attempting to view them neutrally and seeing their need for help as […]
• The Problem of Homeless Youths With HIV-AIDS Studies carried out in the city of New York in 2008 showed that 21 percent of homeless youth males and 24 percent of homeless female youths had “more than 100 lifetime partners”. 5 percent of […]
• The Problem of Homeless People in St. Petersburg The problem under consideration concerns the number of homeless people living on the streets of the second-largest city in Russia. The intended results of the project’s activities are to increase the awareness of the residents […]
• Regulating Society: Criminalising Homelessness Intolerance of homelessness and homeless people by cities, law enforcement agencies, and the public accounts for such violent crimes against homeless people.
• Vulnerable Population: Homelessness In such a way, they will be more prepared to come up with quality personalized approaches to health care for this vulnerable population’s representatives.
• Drug Addiction Problem Among Homeless People There is a need to fill the data gap regarding the issues of magnitude, location, period, severity, and changeability of the SUD in the Skid Row community.
• Shelter and Public Welfare Resources for the Homeless One of the issues the campaign is currently facing is the lack of information about the problem, the current government programs, their strengths and weaknesses, and the input that general citizens can make for the […]
• Chronic Homelessness: Definition and Addressing the Issue The problem was first reported in the 1850s though it became a national problem in the 1870s shortly after the Civil War.
• Responding to Natural Disasters Considering Homeless Individuals In particular, I would ask them to pay attention to how culturally appropriate it is to put homeless people of different genders together to be compliant with Standard 11, which requires service providers to be […]
• Housing Interventions for Homelessness The interventions studied were TH and RRH with ES serving as a reference point or control, and the time length is manifested in the analysis, which assesses the general likelihood of a household returning to […]
• Homelessness: Social and Economic Problems It is these and other factors that contribute to homelessness, a condition that is seldom a choice for people who must live outside the comfort and security of a home environment.
• Homeless Shelter Health Care Services The search for articles was based primarily on the issues they addressed: they all concern the issue of health care for homeless people and try to single out the most optimal models of it.
• About the California Homeless The population of concerns is homeless youth under age 18 who seek shelter in the community of San Diego, California.
• Homelessness and Education in the USA Every child, homeless or not, has the right to a public school education that is equal to the standards of achievement that are available for all youths and children.
• Community Service Experience: Homeless Shelter The shelter also organizes outreach and humanitarian work during the day to ensure that homeless people in the community know about the shelter and the services it provides.
• Understanding of the Homeless Population The state of focus is Georgia and the County of Fulton. 2 percent of homeless individuals had severe cases of mental illnesses Nearly 34.
• Decision-Making in Business: Help Our Homeless Offspring The decision remains with the financial controller of the donor-corporation who is tasked with advising its organisation on whether to grant the funding.
• Homeless Persons as Vulnerable Population in the US The nature of homelessness and its link to the resources available, the status of health and related risks can be of great significant to nurses.
• Aggregate Homeless in Fulton County, Georgia The individuals who are homeless constituted 52% of the total homeless people in Fulton. The decrease in the numbers of the homeless was by 21 people.
• Mental Health & Incidences of Homelessness in Australia In Australia, as is the case in other countries across the world, it is generally assumed that most homeless individuals are faced with mental health challenges and that mental illness is a principal cause of […]
• Homeless Women and Healthcare: Access to Health Care, Medication, and Health Facilities Farmer suggested that the utter disregard to the plight of the marginalized who are most vulnerable in all aspects of social benefits is the “pathologies of power” that are symptoms and signs of structural inequality.
• Homeless Families Analysis One of the highlights of the existing studies is the idea of a “hunger-obesity paradox” determined by the body mass indicator of homeless adults and the rest of the people.
• A Need for an Effective Homelessness Policy in Florida 3 million disparity in the number of units available for rent and the number of households exacerbated the problem of homelessness in the country.
• The Problem of Homelessness in Australia: Social, Political, and Political Dynamics The involvement and collaboration of all key partners and stakeholders will make it possible for the country to overcome this problem.
• The Impact of Homelessness in California: Economic and Other Reasons The crisis intensified after the recession of 2008 when prices soared up, and now hundreds of thousands of people live in their tents or vehicles in LA, San Francisco, and other cities.
• Self-Efficacy and Smoking Urges in Homeless Individuals Pinsker et al.point out that the levels of self-efficacy and the severity of smoking urges change significantly during the smoking cessation treatment.
• Political Issue of Homelessness: Finding Solutions Despite the undoubted successes of the Trump administration in the economic sphere – it appeared possible to significantly reduce unemployment and overcome the mortgage crisis – the number of homeless people is constantly growing.
• The Issue of Homeless People in Los Angeles A reliable organization that provides statistics on the problem and aims to overcome it is the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, or LAHSA. The latter makes it difficult to find a well-paid job and get […]
• Christian Ethics: Homelessness in Atlanta According to it, it is a norm for all people to have an appropriate home where they can be safe. There is no legislation that can make others provide a vulnerable population with home, but […]
• Urban Planning Optimization and Homelessness Therefore, the urban planning should be revised regarding those private providers’ interests: the risk of failure for future city development would strongly increase in the areas of possible economic concern.
• Optimizing Urban Planning to Address Homelessness Researchers use sensitivity analysis to assess the contribution of single preference parameters to the uncertainty of the ranking of alternatives. In the same manner, authorities can create a database consisting of all the shelters for […]
• The York Region Alliance to End Homelessness The following are the objectives of the organization; To ensure that there is safe storage of furniture and other properties that belong to persons living in temporary shelters and those properties that have been donated […]
• Media’s Role in Framing Homelessness Apart from this whatever the weakness or merits of the commission’s plan are, there also exists a great and a huge gap between the policy’s level and the ways for an ordinary citizens in order […]
• The Hidden Homelessness in the City of Los Angeles Private organizations as well as volunteer groups have come to the rescue of homeless Skid Row’s residents, offering them shelter and other necessities.
• The Problem of Homeless People Is a Social The subject of homelessness allows me to understand that stable employment and control of financial accounts are the main things in the life of every person.
• Health Implications of Homelessness: Experiences and Emotional Feelings This study considers the aspect of health implications in homelessness through the essay written by a noted writer, Lars Eighner, through his various essay, significant among them being called ‘On dumpster diving.’ In this article […]
• The Homelessness Problem in the US: Issue Review A report dubbed “The changing character of homelessness in the United States” identifies a new breed of homeless in the US. According to them this was a contributing factor to the rising level of the […]
• The Problem of Homelessness in Metropolitan Areas In this sense, the authors identify four types of causes, which might appear one after another in a cycle: the underlying causes; the direct causes or catalysts which result in the loss of a home […]
• Homeless Students Problem in USA This essay discusses the causes and consequences of homelessness in the nation and a solution to decrease the problems faced by the homeless youngsters.
• The Problem of Homelessness: Media View It understands the role of the media in problem construction and the definition of the weight the matter carries to the public.
• Homelessness as a Cause of Concern Around the World Shortage and high cost of housing and the increasing cost of health care are becoming the main reasons for homelessness amongst people in most parts of the developed world. In the absence of houses to […]
• Volunteer Group Event for Homeless Children Such children will be the pillars of the future generation and hence it becomes a duty for each of us to contribute in making the lives of deprived children better.
• The Problem of Homelessness It should be pointed out that status of homeless people in the society varies from one country to another: in the United States, Western Europe or Australia, they have better opportunities of deriving support of […]
• Homeless Youths and Health Care Needs From such a perspective therefore, it is the intention of this research study to explore the issue of the challenges that are faced by the homeless youths in Cardiff, in the United Kingdom, as regards […]
• The Problem of Homelessness in the US That is why every government tries to provide the strategies for homelessness to help people to deal with the problem, but not all of them are successful.
• Problem of Homeless People in New York New York City, the city that never sleeps, and one of the most populous places on the earth, has been facing the huge task of providing homes to its citizens.
• The Homeless in Our Community The estimated half a million children that, at any one time, is homeless in America and their mothers represent the “fastest growing segment of the homeless population”.
• New York’s Homeless Children and Foster Care System Foster homes have to also face the challenge of developing the mentalities of the children are their clients, and care should be provided on that basis.
• Amicus Curiae: Defending the Rights of the Homeless Laws by the government that the poor should not be homeless and that those who are homeless should not be permitted to sit or roam around the sidewalks of the US cities are not fair.
• Evaluating the Self-Esteem of the Homeless The mission statement of the program indicates the central role played by the agency to the welfare of the society.”The Doe Fund’s mission is to develop and implement cost-effective, holistic programs that meet the needs […]
• Homelessness: A Huge Social Problem in Canada Lastly, homelessness was chosen as a topic of research because there is very little information about the issue especially in relation to health.
• Homeless Problem in the US In contrast to independent media, the task of mainstream media is to impress the audience and impress them by ‘current news’ and reports.
• Mental Healthcare Quality and Homelessness Levels According to the World Health Organization, “Health is a state of complete mental, physical and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”.
• Medical Care for Homeless Drug Users Homeless injection-drug abusers are a medically vulnerable group predisposed to high morbidity and limited access to high-quality care compared to non-drug users.
• Transitional Living Program Design for Homeless Adolescents The Homeless Trust organizes and directs the Miami-Dade County Homeless Plan, which is a central document of the county that regulates the government policy that addresses the issues of the homeless.
• The Issue of Homelessness in Modern World The problem is viewed from various perspectives by different authors, and many conclusions are valuable in terms of drawing attention to the issue.
• Homeless Population’s Needs and Human Services In short, the needs of homeless people are diverse and complex. In other words, rather than providing people with their everyday needs, the programs should aim at teaching the homeless about ways to overcome their […]
• Human Services: Transition for Homeless Adolescents The purpose of the program evaluation was to determine the effectiveness of the provided services and identify the barriers to the successful implementation of the program.
• Housing Families Inc. Addressing Homelessness The organization’s mission is to eliminate family homelessness with the help of providing a safe shelter and high-quality services for homeless families in need in Massachusetts.
• The US Government and Homes for Homeless People The situation with homeless people differs from one state to another, but common features of the issue and the ways the local authorities choose to deal with homelessness are similar.
• Social Work in the Military With Homeless Veterans The purpose of this statement is to immediately provide the patient with emotional support and encouragement while establishing initial rapport at the same time.
• Violating Norms: A Day in the Life of a Homeless Person He said it in a concerned manner that when my friend told him what I was up to, he laughed at the humor of it.
• Social Work and Homelessness in the United States The new study will analyze how different programs such as the Housing First have managed to minimize the impacts of homelessness.
• Affordable Housing Policy for American Homeless I have recently heard a politician saying that the government should offer more affordable housing to low-income housing. You may be right to some degree, but the task of government is to help those citizens […]
• Anti-Homelessness Program’s Cost Benefit Analysis For the first program, the major benefit is the reduction of homelessness among adolescents and young adults as one of the most serious current social problems.
• Social Justice Group Work for Homeless Young Mothers The group discussed in the article was started for the purpose of assisting residents address the problem of homelessness especially in aspects of parenting and during pregnancy periods.
• Mental Illness and Homelessness in the United States Hence, there is a need to establish elaborate policies for addressing the problem of mental illness among homeless people in all regions in the US.
• The Needs of Students Experiencing Homelessness Thus, counselors will have a possibility to identify common patterns in the target learners’ behaviors and design the interventions that will help manage the emotional and psychological concerns of homeless students. It is crucial that […]
• A Look at Homelessness in Chicago When speaking about this problem in the context of the American city of Chicago, Illinois, it is worth noting that here, the level of homelessness is quite high.
• Crowdfunding Project to Help Homeless People To assess the marketability of the proposed project, it is important to answer the question, “Why is the project important?” Providing free haircuts and showers to homeless people proved to be a beneficial activity.
• Homelessness Among Students in the United States The number of homeless students is increasing due to rising costs of living and the lack of programs aimed at assisting this vulnerable population.
• Aboriginal Homelessness in Vancouver One of the examples of institutionalized discrimination is the existence of the Indian Act, first established to define the “Indian Status” and control the identity of Indigenous people.
• Homelessness in the US as a Solvable Problem The problem is believed to be caused by a wide range of social issues that have affected the country for the past centuries.
• American Homelessness, Its Causes and Solutions The United States of America has a fair share of the homeless. In the absence of poverty, the population would afford decent housing and avoid residing on the streets.
• Los Angeles: Housing, Homelessness, Drugs, Crimes For example, it is evident that Los Angeles has a number of gangs and groups living in the neighborhood. In this regard, agents recorded a significant decrease in the sale of houses in Los Angeles.
• Homelessness in “Light in August” and “Wise Blood” The concept of home is commonly regarded in relation to the process of formation of individual identity, and, in almost every culture, the definition of a home serves as an indicator of a person’s wholeness […]
• The Self-Care Habits and Patterns in Homeless Individuals This paper focuses on the collection and analysis of data in the study by Rew that targeted the self-care behaviors of homeless youth.
• Mentally Ill Homeless People: Stereotypes Therefore, it is interesting from the research point of view to analyze the stereotypes about the homeless with chronic mental conditions.
• Homelessness and School Readiness Evaluation Rog expected to define and underline the necessities of homeless families and their mechanisms of coping with the situation, review the correlation between homelessness in families, child and domestic abuse, and incidents of rape, and […]
• Mayor Schell’s Homeless Policy Reengineering The paper will also highlight the steps taken by Mayor Schell to redesign the program in order to fit the fresh goals.
• Issue of Homelessness in America Currently the numbers of homeless families have significantly increased compared with the number in 1980s and earlier. However, the numbers of homeless individuals and families have considerably augmented by over thirty percent in the last […]
• The Homeless Population Reducing The number of homeless Americans is increasing and these people, in the vast majority of cases, are also suffering from numerous diseases including HIV/AIDS, drug and alcohol abuse, various mental disorders and so on.
• Homeless Veterans Causes and Effects The inability of the Department of Veterans Affairs to fast track compensation and funding for disabled veterans is linked to homelessness among many veterans.
• Christian Duty to Care for Homeless People While Catholic Social Teachings call for the people in the society to promote equality, the poor people in the society are seen as a nuisance to the financially liberated members of the society.
• Catholic Dealing With Poverty and Homelessness The idea of “common good” will support many people in the world. The practice will support many people in the world.
• Homelessness in Phoenix Arizona State People have different views regarding the help rendered to the homeless people, and indeed, there are those who feel that Arizona State should pay no attention to the homeless people.
• Public Administration: Homeless in Phoenix Various models have been adopted to eradicate the problem, but the general formula to control the issue has been through the exclusion of the homeless from the main city as lepers into the territorial confinement […]
• Minority Population at Risk: Homelessness For example, in improving the conditions of the homeless, employers should review the employment requirements and level of competencies in order to absorb the unemployed homeless.
• Homelessness in Canadian Society As a result, the demand for housing has surpassed the supply because of changes in government policies and efforts to address the issue of homelessness.
• Counting Homeless People in Seattle This research paper explores the possibilities of solving the problem of homeless and street families through counting them and presenting the best alternatives and suggestions on how this exercise should be done.
• Cultural Immersion of Homeless Veterans Veterans value their country and therefore the Department of Veterans Affairs should make an effort to ensure that the lives of all veterans are improved.
• Policy Analysis: Homelessness This paper identifies some of the solutions to the problem and analyzes the viability of each solution. It is only through evaluation that policy makers can account for each cent spent in the project.
• An Action Plan for Settling Homeless People in Seattle The problem of homelessness in Seattle is worsened by the lack of affordable housing units for the poor citizens in the city.
• Homelessness Problem in the Kenora District With regard to the focus group, it is necessary to highlight the reasons for the increased number of homeless individuals, analyze the consequences of the problem for social welfare of the town, and provide new […]
• Crimes, Homelessness, Mental Disorders
• Approaching Homelessness in America
• Disparities in health outcomes in homeless people
• Public Policy: Homelessness
• Ending Chronic Homelessness in the United Kingdom
• Herts Young Homeless Group Marketing Strategy
• Poverty, Homelessness and Discrimination in Australia: The Case of the Aboriginal
• More Homeless than Athletes in 2010 by Paulsen
• The Canadian Government should Offer Additional Support for Homeless People
• Public Administration in America: Grants to Help Homeless
• The Concept of Community Development to the Homeless Youths in Australia
• Homelessness as the Social Phenomenon
• Volunteering for Horizon House: Homeless Neighbours’ Motivation to Find Jobs
• Homelessness and Schizophrenia
• The Effects of Homelessness in Ohio
• The Problem of Homeless Veterans in US
• Homeless Veterans in the United States
• Homeless Rights in US
• Climate Shift Could Leave Some Marine Species Homeless
• Homelessness in Vancouver, Canada: Discussing its Causes & Effects
• Homelessness as the Scourge of the Modern Society: The Causes, the Outcomes and the Means to Eliminate It
• Combating Homelessness With Affordable Housing
• Culture and Individual Development of Homelessness
• The Impact of the American Economic System on Homelessness
• Homelessness, Mental Illness, and Social Intervention
• The Federal Strategic Plan For Prevent and End Homelessness
• Homelessness and Other Issues Caused by the Mergers and Advancement of Companies in the United States
• Overview Homelessness and the Lawson Panhandling in America
• Family Homelessness and Its Effects on Children
• The Link Between Mental Illness and Homelessness
• Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Lifetime Prevalence of Homelessness in the United States
• Analysis Homelessness Postmodernist and Feminist Perspective
• Homelessness and Substance Abuse
• Analysis Homelessness and the Effect It Has on Social Health
• Homelessness and Domestic Violence Awareness
• Child Abuse and Neglect, Homelessness, and Marital Problems
• Homelessness Among Formerly Incarcerated African American Men: Contributors and Consequences
• Overview City Life, Homelessness, Race, and Sociology
• Homelessness: Rates, Causes, Conflicts and Solutions
• General Information Abouthomelessness Among Those With Mental Illness
• Dealing With the Problem of Homelessness in the United States
• Features the Homelessness Among Youth in Canada
• Helping People With a Chronic Homelessness Problem
• Analysis Homelessness Amongst Marginalized LGBTQ Youth
• Homelessness, Property Rights and Institutional Logics
• Domestic Violence and Homelessness Among Women
• Why Has Homelessness Gained Worldwide Attention?
• Homelessness Is an Epidemic That Affects Everyone?
• What Are the Ways To Prevent Youth Homelessness?
• How Is Homelessness in Connecticut Fought With Supportive Housing?
• What Are the Consequences of Homelessness for Women?
• How Does Social Inequality Contribute to Homelessness in the United States?
• Can Symbolic Interactionism Help With Homelessness?
• How Aware of Homelessness and Domestic Violence in European Countries?
• What Are the Main Causes and Consequences of Homelessness?
• How Can People Help Solve the Problem of Homelessness?
• What Are the Social Justice Challenges for the Homeless?
• How Does New York Fight Homelessness?
• What Are the Problems and Consequences of Homelessness in New York?
• How Does Homelessness Affect Society?
• What Causes Homelessness Across America?
• How Can You Avoid Homelessness Using Rent Control?
• Why Is Domestic Violence Seen as a Cause of Homelessness Among Women?
• Does Public Housing Reduce Homelessness?
• What Are the Social Issues of the Size of Homelessness in Savannah, Georgia?
• How Does Homelessness Affect Children?
• What Are the Problems of Homelessness in America and Their Future Solutions?
• Homelessness and Why You Should Think Twice Before Aiding the Homeless?
• Why Are There So Many Homeless American Veterans?
• What Is Canada’s Homelessness Policy?
• How Do Denver Area Fight Homelessness?
• What Is the Relationship of Homelessness, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse?
• What Are the Reasons for Youth Homelessness?
• How Do You Fight Homelessness With Shelters?
• What Are the Problems and Consequences of Homelessness?
• How To Help Homelessness With Permanent Assisted Housing?
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2024, February 29). 236 Brilliant Homelessness Essay Topics & Free Paper Examples. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/homelessness-essay-examples/

"236 Brilliant Homelessness Essay Topics & Free Paper Examples." IvyPanda , 29 Feb. 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/topic/homelessness-essay-examples/.

IvyPanda . (2024) '236 Brilliant Homelessness Essay Topics & Free Paper Examples'. 29 February.

IvyPanda . 2024. "236 Brilliant Homelessness Essay Topics & Free Paper Examples." February 29, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/homelessness-essay-examples/.

1. IvyPanda . "236 Brilliant Homelessness Essay Topics & Free Paper Examples." February 29, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/homelessness-essay-examples/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "236 Brilliant Homelessness Essay Topics & Free Paper Examples." February 29, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/homelessness-essay-examples/.

• Social Development Essay Topics
• Social Justice Essay Ideas
• Social Responsibility Topics
• Social Work Essay Titles
• Macroeconomics Topics
• Segregation Research Topics
• Urbanization Ideas
• Illegal Immigration Topics

Essays About Homelessness: Top 8 Examples Plus Prompts

Everyone has heard of homeless people at some point in their lives; if you are writing essays about homelessness, read our top essay examples and prompts.

Poverty is one of the greatest evils in the world. Its effects are seen daily, from people begging on the streets to stealing to support their families. But unfortunately, one of the most prominent and upsetting diversity is homelessness. Homelessness is a significant problem in even the most developed nations, including the U.S. and Canada. Despite all the resources used to fight this issue, countries often lack the means to reduce homelessness significantly. With the proper aid, homelessness can be entirely eradicated in the future. 

If you want to write essays about homelessness, keep reading to see our essay examples and helpful writing prompts.

2. A journey with the homeless by Sujata Jena

3. i chose to be homeless: reflections on the homeless challenge by emily kvalheim, 4. my experience being homeless by scott benner, 5. what people get wrong when they try to end homelessness by james abro, 1. causes of homelessness , 2. how can homelessness be reduced, 3. mental illness and homelessness, 4. reflection on homelessness, 5. is homelessness a “personal problem”.

Are you looking for more? Check out our guide packed full of transition words for essays

1. That Homeless Man is My Brother by Megan Regnerus

“But the subtext of my friend’s statement is really Why should I give money to someone who’s lazy; who isn’t willing to work for money like I do?’ And to that I say, her opinion that people who ask for money are freeloaders who could work but choose not to, is based on assumption. It relies on the notion that the two things that shape us into able-bodied adults who can hold down a regular job, nature and nurture, are level playing fields. And they’re not.”

Regnerus writes about a friend’s claim that the homeless are “lazy,” reminding her of her homeless brother. She cites genetics and circumstance as contributing factors to homelessness. Despite the other woman being her friend, Regnerus strongly refutes her belief that the homeless are non-disabled freeloaders- they should be treated with empathy. For more, check out these articles about homelessness .

“I realize that the situation of poverty and homelessness is a huge social problem around the world. But when I meet them, I face fellow human beings, not some abstract “social problem.” The very phrase, “What would Jesus do at this scene?” haunted me.  I ventured to ask their names, age, where they came from, where they live (street, bridges, cemetery) and the reason they are on the streets. Their stories are poignant. Each one has a unique story to tell about his/her reason to be homeless, how they were forced to leave distant rural villages to live on the city streets. I tried to listen to them with empathy.”

In her essay, Jena remembers the homeless people in Manila, Philippines. She can see them beyond some “aspect of society” as human beings. She empathizes with them extensively and recalls the words of Jesus Christ about loving others, particularly the neediest.

“I, too, have not been compassionate enough, and I have allowed my prejudices to distort my view of the homeless. One woman, who sat across from me at a feeding program, talking to herself erratically, may have seemed strange to me before the Homeless Challenge. But when I really saw myself as her equal, and when I took the time to watch her get up and laugh as she danced to the music playing in the background, I thought she was beautiful. She had found her own happiness, amidst despair.”

Kvalheim details her experiences during an immersion challenge with the homeless. She recalls both the discrimination and generosity she experienced and her experiences with other homeless people. She was amazed to see how they could stay positive despite their terrible circumstances. We should be thankful for what we have and use it to help others in need. 

“As my funds dwindled, and the weather got colder, I sought shelter at Father Bill’s in Quincy Ma. When you are homeless, sometimes very small things mean a lot. A dry pair of socks, shoes without holes, a pocketful of change. You begin to realize how much you value your personal space. You begin to realize other people want space too. A lot of people have issues or have suffered in one way or another and you can see their pain. I think that there are people who for a variety of issue are chronically homeless and a larger portion of homeless are transitioning through a series of bad events.”

Benner’s essay, written for the company ArtLifting, reflects on his experience of being homeless for a brief while. Then, he and his wife grew ill, and Benner sought refuge at a homeless shelter after his company shut down. After that, he realized how his struggles were very different from those of others and the value of the more minor things he previously took for granted. Luckily, he escaped homelessness by making art with the help of ArtLifting. 

“The court denied my sister’s request and named me our mother’s legal guardian, but it appointed my sister as guardian of her property.  In 2009, when my mother passed away, my sister evicted me. The day I was scheduled to move out, I stood in a convenience store, dazed, as I stared at microwaveable meals.  These would be my new staple when I moved into the motel room. My phone rang—my sister.  She told me she needed me out of the house in a couple of hours—she was a real estate agent and a client wanted to see the house. ‘No hard feelings,’ she said.”

Similar to Benner, Abro narrates the circumstances surrounding his homelessness. After his mother’s death and a conflict with his sister led to his eviction, he ended up homeless. While his situation was unfortunate, he believes that there are many people worse off than him and that something must change to address the housing and poverty crises in America.

Top 5 Prompts On Essays about Homelessness

For your essay, it would be interesting to write about how people become homeless in the first place. Research the different causes of homelessness and elaborate on them, and be sure to provide sources such as statistics and anecdotes. 

What solutions to homelessness can you think of? In your essay, propose at least one way you think the homelessness problem can be solved or at least reduced. It must be concrete, realistic, and defensible; be sure to explain your solution well and defend its feasibility, backing up your claims with facts and logic. 

Homelessness and mental health can be linked—research into declining mental health and how homelessness can impact a person’s mental well-being. Make sure to use research data and statistics to show your findings. Conclude whether poor mental health can cause homelessness or if homelessness causes poor mental health.

You can write about what homelessness means to you in your essay. Perhaps you’ve heard stories of homeless people, or maybe you know someone who is or has been homeless. Use this essay to highly the effects of homelessness and how we can work together as a society to eradicate it.

Many say that homeless people “choose to be homeless” and are underachievers; otherwise, they would simply “get a job” and lift themselves out of poverty. Is this true? Research this topic and decide on your stance. Then, write about whether you agree with this topic for a compelling argumentative essay.

If you’re still stuck, check out our general resource of essay writing topics .

Martin is an avid writer specializing in editing and proofreading. He also enjoys literary analysis and writing about food and travel.

View all posts

• Financial Information
• Our History
• Our Leadership
• The Casey Philanthropies
• Workforce Composition
• Child Welfare
• Community Change
• Economic Opportunity
• Equity and Inclusion
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Juvenile Justice
• Leadership Development
• Research and Policy
• Child Poverty
• Foster Care
• Juvenile Probation
• Kinship Care
• Racial Equity and Inclusion
• Two-Generation Approaches
• See All Other Topics
• Publications
• KIDS COUNT Data Book
• KIDS COUNT Data Center

Preventing and Ending Youth Homelessness in America

A thrive by 25 ® brief.

Not all young people have the benefit of growing up in a safe and stable home. In fact: Across America, 1 in 30 youth between the ages of 13 to 24 and 1 in 10 young adults between the ages of 18 to 25 will experience homelessness over the course of a year. This scenario — which occurs during an important developmental period — can inject trauma into a young person’s life, limit their growth and carry costly community consequences.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation and Youth Homelessness

In recognition of these challenges, the Annie E. Casey Foundation is joining partners in the field, such as Funders Together to End Homelessness, to ensure that young people have safe, stable housing access to meaningful educational and economic opportunities.

This brief, released by the Foundation, shares facts about youth homelessness in America. It also reviews the nation’s current response to youth homelessness, the risks that young people face when homeless, and what leaders can be doing to prevent and end housing instability among young people today.

Funding, Policy and Practice Recommendations on Youth Homelessness

To ensure that all young people have a safe and stable place to live and the resources needed to thrive and grow into adulthood, the Foundation makes the following recommendations:

• develop a unified definition of youth homelessness;
• focus on prevention;
• target funding to basic needs and other youth homelessness risks;
• support cross-systems partnerships;
• advance equity;
• elevate youth voices;
• transform the justice system response; and
• help young people leaving foster care prepare for adulthood.

About the Thrive by 25 Series

The document kicks off a series devoted to highlighting both the challenges and opportunities facing youth ages 14 through 24. It is also part of the Casey Foundation’s Thrive by 25® efforts, which are a set of investments focused on promoting basic needs, permanent connections, education and credentials, financial stability and youth leadership for young people.

Findings & Stats

Millions of youth affected.

About 3.5 million young adults ages 18 to 25 and 700,000 youth ages 13 to 17 experience some form of homelessness in a given year, according to Chapin Hall, an independent, nonpartisan policy research center at the University of Chicago.

The Risk of Homelessness Varies

Not all young people experience homeliness at the same rate. Youth who are Black (83% higher), LGBTQ (120% higher) and non-white Hispanic (33% higher) all experience greater rates of homelessness.

Wanted: A Unified Definition of Homelessness

Establishing a unified and inclusive definition of youth homelessness is key. Such work makes data collection, sharing and analysis easier across systems and also helps to improve how quickly and effectively these systems can identify and support youth in need.

Statements & Quotations

Because of differing definitions of homelessness and research methodologies, no single data source paints a complete picture of youth homelessness within the United States.

A youth homelessness response focused almost exclusively on crisis intervention results in missed opportunities to prevent homelessness and its compounding harmful effects for millions of young people each year.

Key Takeaway

Unstable, unsafe housing situations sets youth on a pathway to greater trauma, risk and instability.

Youth experiencing homelessness on their own are more likely than their peers in the general population to endure threats to their health, safety and well-being. These threats include:

• missing school, resulting in higher rates of dropping out, poverty and involvement in the criminal justice system;
• struggling with mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts;
• abusing alcohol or drugs;
• being physically assaulted;
• being sexually assaulted;
• being trafficked for sex or labor; and
• resorting to “survival crime,” including selling drugs, stealing and exchanging sex for basic needs.

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our data, reports and news in your inbox.

Report Youth Homelessness Overview

Easily browse the critical components of this report…

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.

Key Takeaways

Many youth experiencing homelessness who have been in foster care consider their experience in the foster system as the beginning of their homelessness.

According to the  National Sexual Violence Resource Center , one in three teens on the street will be lured into prostitution within 48 hours of leaving home.

States have addressed the intersection between youth homelessness and juvenile justice involvement in many ways, including redefining status offenses, decriminalizing the survival aspects of being homeless (e.g., sleeping in public) and regulating how youth are discharged from the juvenile justice system.

Modal title

Definitions .

Accurately defining the issue of youth homelessness is a challenge. The defined age ranges for a “youth” or “young adult” vary across and within federal agencies and state governments. This makes it difficult to accurately measure the scope of and response to youth experiencing homelessness.

Federal Definitions

The Department of Housing and Urban Development applies a specific categorical definition to unaccompanied youth under age 25. The  Runaway and Homeless Youth Act , used in connection with assistance programs administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, defines homeless youth as unaccompanied individuals under age 21. The Department of Education, however, provides resources to students experiencing homelessness and determines eligibility based on the definition outlined in the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act .

McKinney-Vento defines homeless youth more broadly and without a specific age range. Specifically, it defines homeless children and youths as individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence, and includes children and youths who: 

• Share the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship or a similar reason. 
• Live in motels, hotels, trailer parks or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations. 
• Live in an emergency or transitional shelters or are abandoned in hospitals. 
• Have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for nor ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings; or live in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings. 
• Who are migratory children living in one of the above circumstances. 

State Definitions  

States also define youth homelessness in various ways, many of which determine whether youth can access services. Some states define runaway youth, homeless children, homeless youth and homeless persons separately, while other states do not define homelessness at all. In addition, the age range between which youth are considered homeless varies. 

Homeless Youth  

According to a report by the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty and the National Network for Youth, at least 23 states  explicitly define the terms homeless child, homeless youth, homeless minor or homeless student. At least 12 states define the term youth and at least 19 states specifically define the term runaway, habitual runaway or chronic runaway. Some states’ definitions mirror or refer to the McKinney-Vento Act and include children who are sharing housing with others due to economic necessity, while other states mirror or refer to the Federal Runaway and Homeless Youth Act’s definition of homeless youth.

Runaway Youth  

Research  shows that almost 7% of youth, or 1.5 million children and adolescents, run away each year. Youth most often run away from home and become homeless due to family conflicts, abuse and/or neglect. At least 19 states explicitly define the term “runaway” in both criminal and civil statutes.

Risk Factors and Vulnerable Populations  

During adolescence, the brain grows and changes in significant ways, transitioning from childhood to adulthood. This stage of rapid brain development is shaped through thinking, planning, learning and acting and is dependent on experiences and opportunities. Peer relationships become more valuable, youth explore identity and autonomy and examine risks and rewards. Youth and young adults thrive with supportive relationships and in safe environments. The lack of these supports can contribute to youth and young adult homelessness.  

The Congressional Research Service identified a youth’s sexual orientation, school problems, pregnancy and substance use as primary risk factors for family conflict or disagreement. Family conflict is most often cited as the reason youth give for their homelessness or episodes of running away. The report notes that females are more likely than males to run away, and among white, Black and Hispanic youth, Black youth have the highest rates of running away.  

The Voices of Youth Count was established to better understand the gaps and scope of youth experiencing homelessness. The study found that while youth across all backgrounds and upbringings can become homeless, certain demographics are more susceptible. People of color, people who identify as LGBTQ+ and young parents disproportionately experience youth homelessness at higher rates. Native American youth have more than double the risk of experiencing homelessness compared to other youth. LGBTQ+ youth experience a 120% higher risk of becoming homeless after coming out to their families. Additionally, a person’s identity can intersect with multiple demographic categories and put them at an even higher risk of homelessness. 

All homeless youth, due to their unstable housing and a lack of a safe, caring adult, are inherently vulnerable to their surroundings. Youth in or aging out of foster care and youth involved in the juvenile justice system are even more vulnerable to the dangers of homelessness. 

Youth In or Exiting the Foster Care System  

According to the National Foster Youth Institute , over 250,000 children enter foster care each year and more than 23,000 youth age out annually. Children in foster care face multiple factors that increase their risk of homelessness, including age, the number of foster care placements, history of running away from placements and time spent in a group home or institutional setting. Many youth experiencing homelessness who have been in foster care consider their experience in the foster system as the beginning of their homelessness. They describe their experience as part of a larger pattern of instability, bouncing from foster home to group home, running away, back to another foster home or back home with their parents.

Finding safe and stable housing can be challenging in and of itself, and often is greater for youth exiting the foster care system due to interrelated disparities, including lack of financial support, lower educational attainment and limited employment opportunities. The National Youth in Transition Database collects information about the housing outcomes of youth who have aged out of foster care. The data illustrate an interconnected relationship between homelessness and readiness indicators (e.g., a high school diploma, enrolled in school or employment by age 21). Youth who demonstrated indicators of readiness were less likely to experience homelessness compared to those without the same indicators, and youth who experienced homelessness after the age of 17 were less likely to be ready for successful independent living. 

Older youth in foster care can benefit significantly from staying in foster care beyond age 18. Known as extended foster care, this is an option implemented by some states to lessen the risk of homelessness. This provides young adults with the opportunity to receive services and establish permanent connections with supportive adults prior to leaving the foster care system. 

The federal Family First Prevention Services Act was enacted in 2018 to overhaul child welfare systems and focus resources on preventing child maltreatment and reducing the use of congregate care. The law also created an opportunity for state policymakers to bolster services for youth experiencing homelessness. 

Family First allows states to use Title IV-E funding for services that reduce the need for out-of-home placements. Title IV-E funds can also be spent on prevention services, including mental health programs, substance use treatment and parenting skills courses. 

For example, the Minnesota legislature allocated Title IV-E funds to the Department of Human Services in collaboration with Hennepin County, YMCA, YouthLink and the Youth Law Project. Funds were used to create Project Minor Connect, a pilot program to assist youth ages 15 to 17 experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. Project Minor Connect conducts individual needs assessments, helps youth access housing and provides family reunification supports. Minnesota’s Department of Human Services is required to report to the legislature about the project and the ongoing needs of youth experiencing homelessness. 

Additionally, Family First extends eligibility for the Chaffee Program to 23-year-olds, instead of the previous limit of 21—cultivating a stronger foundation for young adults to have a successful transition into independent living. 

Youth In or Exiting Juvenile Justice System  

The Voices of Youth Count found that  46% of youth  who experienced homelessness had also been in a juvenile detention facility, jail or prison compared with only 15% of the general population. Homeless youth who had been in foster care also had a greater likelihood of being involved in the juvenile justice system and were more likely to identify as LGBTQ+. These youth were also less likely to be in school or employed and more likely to be receiving SNAP benefits.  

Youth who have been in the juvenile justice system have an  increased likelihood  of experiencing homelessness. Similarly, once youth are homeless, they are more likely to encounter the juvenile justice system. Further, having a juvenile delinquency record often makes it more difficult to find employment post-incarceration, and without employment, youth and young adults often find themselves homeless again. 

Youth who are homeless often become involved with the juvenile justice system due to status offenses—situations that would not be illegal, but for their age—such as breaking curfew or running away. Youth are also arrested for status offenses, often associated with survival, such as sitting or sleeping in a public location. States have addressed the intersection between youth homelessness and juvenile justice involvement in many ways, including redefining status offenses, decriminalizing the survival aspects of being homeless (e.g., sleeping in public) and regulating how youth are discharged from the juvenile justice system.

Lack of transition planning increases the risk of youth becoming homeless upon release from the juvenile justice system. The Coalition for Juvenile Justice has identified key components to a successful transition plan for youth exiting the juvenile justice system, including housing, access to vital documents, educational and employment support, life skills coaching, mentoring, healthcare services, legal aid and help with strengthening personal relationships.

Adverse Impacts  

Like many complex social problems, it can be challenging to differentiate the causes of youth homelessness from the consequences of homelessness. Many of the risk factors for youth and young adult homelessness are also adverse impacts of experiencing homelessness, including mental illness, substance use and abuse, expectant and parenting youth, criminal activity and victimization. Moreover, youth who have experienced homelessness generally have much higher rates of early death than their stably housed peers. Suicide is the leading cause of death for unaccompanied youth without shelter.   

Children who experience homelessness are also more likely to experience homelessness in adulthood. Approximately 1.1 million children had a young parent experiencing homelessness. Therefore, the experience of homelessness potentially impacts both current and future generations. The Voices of Youth Count found that 44% of young women between the ages of 18 and 25 are pregnant or a parent, while 18% of young men between the ages of 18 and 25 have a pregnant partner or are a parent. 

Human Trafficking  

Human trafficking is a major vulnerability for homeless youth. According to the  National Sexual Violence Resource Center , one in three teens on the street will be lured into prostitution within 48 hours of leaving home. Youth who are homeless struggle to survive, and trading sex for money, food or a place to sleep can lead to human trafficking.

The National Network for Youth estimates that 20% of runaway and homeless youth are survivors of human trafficking and that 68% of the youth who had either been trafficked or engaged in survival sex had done so while homeless. Further, LGBTQ+ youth and former foster youth are subjected to human trafficking at higher rates than other homeless youth. 

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children estimates that  one in six of the nearly 25,000 youth reported to them as runaways in 2022 were sex trafficking victims, and approximately 88% of those youth were in foster care or the child welfare system when they went missing.  

States have addressed human trafficking of minors with a variety of laws , including criminal penalties, judicial protections, funds and services, administration and cooperation, and awareness and regulation.

Systems Coordination  

The complex nature of youth homelessness makes it unlikely any single government entity could effectively meet the challenge of ending youth homelessness. Coordinating across levels of government will be necessary.

Local governments face the direct, day-to-day impacts of youth homelessness and provide an essential perspective for state policymakers. Many laws that impact youth experiencing homelessness are decided at the municipal level, including allocation of funding, criminalization of activities stemming from homelessness and access to sanitation services for unhoused youth. In addition, federal funds allocated to states often are reallocated to local governments and community service providers.

United States Interagency Council on Homelessness  

The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness was created by the McKinney-Vento Act in 1987 to coordinate the federal government’s collaborative response to homelessness. The Council  works in partnership with 19 federal agencies and a national network of state and local affiliates to prevent and end homelessness in America.

In 2022, USICH published a new federal strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness, with the goal of reducing homelessness by 25% by 2025. This comprehensive strategy has a multifaceted approach to mitigating nationwide homelessness including for youth and young adults. Policies focused on youth include improving data collection for students experiencing homelessness, increasing funding for programs that work with homeless youth, expanding access to supportive housing, providing training for employees of emergency shelters, and cultivating intergovernmental collaboration.

State Interagency Councils on Homelessness  

USICH also helps states establish their own interagency councils and develop and implement plans to end homelessness. A state interagency council can be established in one of three ways: 1) an executive order of the governor, 2) legislative action or 3) both an executive order and legislative action. Council membership often includes elected and appointed representatives, secretaries and commissioners from state agencies and community stakeholders. 

At least 15 states and the District of Columbia have an interagency council on homelessness or other coordinating body to address homelessness. Most of these councils and coordinating bodies produce research and recommendations to address youth homelessness. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development  

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is responsible for developing and improving housing policies to better address the needs of communities throughout the country. HUD programs include community development block grants, rental assistance, subsidized housing, homelessness support and fair housing public education and enforcement. 

Continuums of Care  

HUD requires communities to submit a single application for McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grants to streamline the funding application process, encourage coordination of local service providers and promote the development of continuums of care. Continuum of care organizations are local or regional planning bodies that coordinate housing services and program funding for people experiencing homelessness. HUD outlines five components of a continuum of care that are eligible for funding, including 1) permanent housing, 2) supportive housing, 3) supportive services, 4) homelessness prevention and 5) homeless management information system maintenance. 

Youth action boards are also an integral component of continuums of care. They are composed of youth who are currently experiencing or formerly experienced homelessness. The boards ensure youth consultation is included in policy discussions. Members participate in workgroups, engage in legislative advocacy and educate schools and other organizations on how to identify and support youth who are experiencing homelessness. The youth on these boards are seen as experts on youth homelessness and help direct the implementation of a continuum of care programs. 

Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program   

The Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program is a HUD initiative focused on coordinated community approaches to reduce rates of youth homelessness. The project is designed to provide federal funding to urban, suburban and rural communities to reduce youth homelessness. The funding is allocated to continuums of care that provide resources to homeless youth. In 2022 , HUD allocated $72 million for the program to provide 25 grants ranging from $1 million to $15 million. 

U.S. Department of Education  

The U.S. Department of Education’s role in mitigating youth homelessness is primarily through the McKinney-Vento Act and data reporting. Each year, the Department of Education releases data on homeless student enrollment, but it is dependent on state and local educational agencies’ reporting procedures. Longitudinal data includes a breakdown of the residences for homeless students, proficiency gaps and McKinney-Vento funding. 

McKinney-Vento Requirements  

Under McKinney-Vento, schools must provide an equal education to all students regardless of their housing status. The law also ensures that the privacy of youth experiencing homelessness is respected. Some states have codified McKinney-Vento and enacted additional laws to help ensure students experiencing homeless can receive an education. 

In 2015, the  Every Student Succeeds Act amended McKinney-Vento to detail the specific rights homeless youth are entitled to, including the right to continue attending their school of origin, the right to be immediately enrolled in a new school, free transportation to and from school, the ability to participate in all programs and services offered to other students and the right to not be separated from other students. These amendments require schools to be accountable for the educational outcomes of homeless students including preschool children, and mandate that schools track and report high school graduation rates of homeless students. 

Homeless youth and their families have the right to formally dispute educational decisions in violation of McKinney-Vento. Dispute-resolution processes help ensure procedural safeguards for homeless students and their families when challenging a school’s decision. Some states have safeguarded equal access to education for youth who are experiencing homelessness by codifying McKinney-Vento dispute resolution provisions into state law, while other states use agency rules to outline the process for appealing a school’s decision under the act. 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services  

The Department of Health and Human Services conducts research and provides grant programs related to homelessness. Services are provided through several HHS agencies, including the Administration for Children and Families. 

Administration for Children and Families  

The Administration for Children and Families promotes the economic and social well-being of children, families and communities. ACF maintains many offices, departments and bureaus focused on different facets of child, youth and family well-being.  

The Family and Youth Services Bureau works to reduce the risk of youth homelessness, teen pregnancy and domestic violence. It operates the Runaway and Homeless Youth Program which supports street outreach, shelters and transitional living community programs. It also operates the National Runaway Safeline , which provides support to youth at risk of running away or those that have run away or are homeless. 

Additionally, the Children’s Bureau provides guidance, funding, training and technical assistance, research and oversight across child welfare issues, including child abuse and neglect prevention and protection, foster care and guardianship. The bureau monitors child welfare outcomes and provide reports to Congress on progress. This data can be useful when understanding the intersection of foster care and youth homelessness. 

Office on Trafficking in Persons is another intersectional office that develops anti-trafficking strategies, policies and programs to prevent human trafficking and support victims. 

State Offices of Youth Homelessness  

To prevent youth homelessness and meet the needs of youth experiencing homelessness, some states have created dedicated state agencies, offices or cabinets to coordinate services and prevention efforts. Colorado and Washington  have dedicated offices of youth homelessness through state legislation. 

Colorado’s Office of Homeless Youth Services is located within its Department of Local Affairs and was created to provide information, coordination and support services to public and private entities serving homeless youth. The Office of Homeless Youth Prevention and Protection Programs in Washington, located within the state’s Department of Commerce, leads efforts to coordinate a spectrum of funding, policy and practice efforts related to improving the safety, health and welfare of homeless youth. 

New Jersey has a statewide Office of Homelessness Prevention within its Department of Community Affairs. Responsibilities of the Office of Homelessness Prevention include establishing a comprehensive prevention program that focuses on providing outreach, shelter services and transitional housing for homeless and runaway youth. 

Utah established a Homeless Network Steering Committee within the state’s Office of Homeless Services. The steering committee is not solely focused on youth homelessness; however, it is required to support connections across continuums of care, local homeless councils and local governments. It also coordinates statewide emergency services for individuals experiencing homelessness. While not a designated government office in Iowa, the Council on Homelessness administered through the state’s Finance Authority helps conduct research, suggest policy recommendations and collaborate with various stakeholders.  

State Policy Scan  

State policymakers are increasingly enacting legislation to meet the needs of youth and young adults at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Recent legislation has broadly included adopting state definitions of youth homelessness, addressing the disparate outcomes of vulnerable populations and protecting the federally guaranteed educational rights of homeless youth. States have also passed legislation to address common barriers to housing stability and better align systems serving youth. In addition, legislatures are also enacting legislation to prevent homelessness before it happens.  

Homeless youth often face barriers to enrolling, attending and thriving in school. Not having a secure home environment, reliable transportation or a quiet place to study can make learning much more difficult. Recent data suggests that students experiencing homelessness have a high school graduation rate of 68% compared to the national average of nearly 86%. Under the Every Student Succeeds Act, states are required to report high school graduation rates of homeless students, but it remains a difficult statistic to accurately measure.

State policymakers have prioritized bolstering educational support for students experiencing homelessness. Legislation focused on youth homelessness and education includes expanding reporting requirements, awarding partial scholastic credit to youth who must transfer schools due to housing instability, increasing access to social workers in K-12 education and providing rental assistance to students’ families experiencing homelessness. 

California requires all local educational agencies to establish homeless education program policies that are consistent with state laws and requires these policies to be updated at least every three years. Colorado provides access to school social workers in public elementary schools with the K-5 Social and Emotional Health Act.

Kentucky offers coursework completion alternatives for students experiencing homelessness and exempts these students from any additional requirements a local school board may impose beyond the state’s minimum high school graduation requirements. Oregon has a pilot program through which certain school districts make one-time distributions to families of students to assist with unpaid rent, past-due utilities or move-in expenses. 

Most youth and young adults need financial assistance to attend college. This is particularly true for homeless youth. At least 15 states —Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Tennessee and Washington—have policies to help homeless college students attain degrees. Meanwhile, at least  nine states —California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Nevada and Oregon—exempt homeless students from paying tuition and fees or give residency status and in-state tuition rates to homeless students.

Florida , for example, waives tuition and fees at all Florida College System institutions and state universities.  Nevada  waives tuition and fees for all residents of the state experiencing homelessness provided they maintain at least a 2.0 GPA each semester. Louisiana  authorizes its public postsecondary education institutions to grant resident status to youth who are homeless and 19 years old or younger. Tennessee requires postsecondary educational institutions to designate a staff member to serve as a homeless student liaison who assists homeless students who are enrolled or planning to enroll. 

Foster Care  

Ending the pipeline from foster care to homelessness is a significant opportunity for legislatures. Half of the youth who leave foster care are not reunited with their families. Many are not ready for independent living, and too often they become homeless. Some states have addressed this by providing transitional housing assistance. Others have extended the time youth and young adults can stay in foster care. 

According to the Children’s Bureau , 48 states, the District of Columbia and American Samoa allow 18-year-olds to extend their out-of-home care and continue receiving services from the social services agency. Most states allow youth to remain under agency supervision until they are 21 years old; however, six states—Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and West Virginia—have extended foster care support beyond the age of 21 and up to 26 in some situations. Oregon and Utah are the only two states that do not offer continued foster care and supervision beyond age 18; however, they do provide supportive services to youth formerly in foster care up to age 21. 

Thirty-three states allow youth who leave foster care when they are 18 years old to request a return to foster care at any point before age 21. Iowa and Vermont allow the request before age 22, and Connecticut permits a return to foster care until age 23. Youth are allowed to return to foster care to help further their education, employment, personal safety or self-sufficiency. Illinois has an interagency agreement between the Department of Children and Family Services, the Illinois State Board of Education and several other government agencies to provide homelessness prevention services to youth in care and young adults who are aging out of, or have recently aged out of, the custody or guardianship of the Department. Prevention services include support with housing, education and employment.

Juvenile Justice  

Youth experiencing homelessness may resort to criminal behavior for survival and this can lead to involvement with the juvenile justice system. Nearly 62% of youth experiencing homelessness reported being arrested at least once in their life. Prevention policies such as housing assistance, trauma-informed care and substance use counseling can reduce contact with the juvenile justice system. 

Virginia requires local social services departments to provide up to six months of housing support to anyone 18 to 21 years old who turned 18 in foster care or while in the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice. Housing support includes direct rental payments to help build self-sufficiency. 

Washington requires the Office of Homeless Youth Prevention and Protection, in coordination with other state offices, to create a rapid response team that supports youth and young adults exiting a publicly funded system of care, including the juvenile court system. The rapid response team supports youth and young adults who are at risk of becoming homeless and who are exiting a publicly funded system of care. 

Minor Consent for Services  

Accessing essential services (e.g., housing, health care and legal services) often is challenging for youth experiencing homelessness, especially in states that require parental consent. Some state legislatures have taken steps to enable unaccompanied minors to access legal support, medical services, housing and other basic needs.

Housing 

Oregon allows pregnant or parenting youth to contract for housing without a parent or legal guardian.  Indiana  permits shelters to provide services to homeless youth without notifying parents or guardians.  Missouri  allows homeless youth ages 16 or 17 to apply for admission to a shelter, engage in a housing contract, apply for employment, enter high school or apply for college admission, establish a bank account, obtain medical care, purchase a vehicle, apply for student loans and receive domestic violence or sexual assault victim services. 

Health care 

In some states, youth do not have the right to consent to health care which can limit their ability to access preventive and emergency health care. At least 35 states and the District of Columbia allow minors to  consent to health care . Some states, like Alabama , permit youth older than 14 to consent to medical, dental or mental health services. Other states, including Maine , allow youth to consent to the same services, provided they are living separately from their parents or legal guardians. Arkansas authorizes a McKinney-Vento liaison to consent to medical treatment for a homeless minor. 

The District of Columbia allows, on a temporary basis, emancipated minors, unaccompanied homeless minors, minors who are or have been pregnant or minors who are separated from their parents or legal guardian without support to consent to receive a vaccine. Florida   allows unaccompanied homeless youth at least 16 years old to consent to medical, dental, psychological, substance abuse and surgical diagnosis and treatment, including preventive care for themselves or their child, if the youth is unmarried and has custody of the child. 

Driver’s Licenses, IDs and Vital Records  

Everyone needs a government-issued identification card or driver’s license to apply for housing, open a bank account, get a job or receive public assistance. Homeless youth who cannot access these vital identification records are limited in their ability to become self-sufficient. 

Minor youth under 18 years old often need a parent or guardian’s signature or a parent or guardian to be present when applying for identification. Many states also require fees and proof of residency to apply for state-issued identification cards. A government-issued identification card is required to obtain a copy of a birth certificate which homeless youth often lack. Some states have taken measures to remove these barriers by: 

• Waiving or reducing fees for non-driver identification cards and/or birth certificates. 
• Allowing applicants to prove residency with a signed affidavit, regardless of homeless status. 
• Allowing applicants to submit an affidavit or certification of homeless status as documentation of residency. 
• Waiving the requirement that a parent or guardian be present. 

Indiana allows youth experiencing homeless to obtain photo identification cards and driver's licenses, as well as copies of their birth certificate, without charge or consent of a parent, guardian or custodian. To do so, the youth must meet certain guidelines and possess a waiver affidavit. Kentucky waives birth certificate fees for any youth experiencing homelessness. The exemption applies to anyone experiencing homelessness under the age of 25. New Mexico waives all fees for birth certificates for homeless individuals and removed restrictions on access to vital records for unaccompanied youth and youth experiencing homelessness.

Shelters  

States have taken a variety of approaches to offer and regulate access to homeless shelters and supportive services. Common policy elements include age requirements, training for shelter staff and access to wraparound services. 

Utah allows any youth at least 15 years old and managing their income to access shelter services. Wisconsin allows 17-year-olds to access shelters if the minor is not under the supervision of a county department, a child welfare agency, the department of corrections or under the authority of the court. New York requires all employees of programs that provide care to runaway and/or homeless youth to complete training related to LGBTQ+ runaway and homeless youth.

In 2019, Maryland created a work group to study shelter and supportive services for unaccompanied homeless minors. The work group issued a report to the governor detailing policy recommendations to reduce barriers to services for youth experiencing homelessness. Recommendations include allowing minors to consent to housing and shelter services and establishing a registry of service providers that work with youth experiencing homelessness.

• NCSL on Housing and Homelessness Legislation Database NCSL Database
• NCSL on Youth Homelessness Fellows Program NCSL Resource
• NCSL on Youth Homelessness Toolkit NCSL Toolkit
• NCSL on Housing and Homelessness Toolkit NCSL Toolkit

DO NOT DELETE - NCSL Search Page Data

Related resources, housing supply webinar series, supreme court hears arguments over oregon city’s crackdown on homelessness.

Arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court in a case out of Oregon could reshape how cities enforce penalties for homeless people camping on public property throughout the western United States.

Family First State Plans and Enacted Legislation

Contact ncsl.

For more information on this topic, use this form to reach NCSL staff.

• What is your role? Legislator Legislative Staff Other
• Is this a press or media inquiry? No Yes
• Admin Email

5 Essays About Homelessness

Around the world, people experience homelessness. According to a 2005 survey by the United Nations, 1.6 billion people lack adequate housing. The causes vary depending on the place and person. Common reasons include a lack of affordable housing, poverty, a lack of mental health services, and more. Homelessness is rooted in systemic failures that fail to protect those who are most vulnerable. Here are five essays that shine a light on the issue of homelessness:

What Would ‘Housing as a Human Right’ Look Like in California? (2020) – Molly Solomon

For some time, activists and organizations have proclaimed that housing is a human right. This essay explores what that means and that it isn’t a new idea. Housing as a human right was part of federal policy following the Great Depression. In a 1944 speech introducing what he called the “Second Bill of Rights,” President Roosevelt attempted to address poverty and income equality. The right to have a “decent home” was included in his proposals. Article 25 of the Universal Declaration also recognizes housing as a human right. It describes the right to an “adequate standard of living.” Other countries such as France and Scotland include the right to housing in their constitutions. In the US, small local governments have adopted resolutions on housing. How would it work in California?

At KQED, Molly Solomon covers housing affordability. Her stories have aired on NPR’s All Things Considered, Morning Edition, and other places. She’s won three national Edward R. Murrow awards.

“What People Get Wrong When They Try To End Homelessness” – James Abro

In his essay, James Abro explains what led up to six weeks of homelessness and his experiences helping people through social services. Following the death of his mother and eviction, Abro found himself unhoused. He describes himself as “fortunate” and feeling motivated to teach people how social services worked. However, he learned that his experience was somewhat unique. The system is complicated and those involved don’t understand homelessness. Abro believes investing in affordable housing is critical to truly ending homelessness.

James Abro is the founder of Advocate for Economic Fairness and 32 Beach Productions. He works as an advocate for homeless rights locally and nationally. Besides TalkPoverty, he contributes to Rebelle Society and is an active member of the New Jersey Coalition to End Homelessness.

“No Shelter For Some: Street-Sleepers” (2019)

This piece (by an unknown author) introduces the reader to homelessness in urban China. In the past decades, a person wouldn’t see many homeless people. This was because of strict rules on internal migration and government-supplied housing. Now, the rules have changed. People from rural areas can travel more and most urban housing is privatized. People who are homeless – known as “street-sleepers” are more visible. This essay is a good summary of the system (which includes a shift from police management of homelessness to the Ministry of Civil Affairs) and how street-sleepers are treated.

“A Window Onto An American Nightmare” (2020) – Nathan Heller

This essay from the New Yorker focuses on San Francisco’s history with homelessness, the issue’s complexities, and various efforts to address it. It also touches on how the pandemic has affected homelessness. One of the most intriguing parts of this essay is Heller’s description of becoming homeless. He says people “slide” into it, as opposed to plunging. As an example, someone could be staying with friends while looking for a job, but then the friends decide to stop helping. Maybe someone is jumping in and out of Airbnbs, looking for an apartment. Heller’s point is that the line between only needing a place to stay for a night or two and true “homelessness” is very thin.

Nathan Heller joined the New Yorker’s writing staff in 2013. He writes about technology, higher education, the Bay Area, socioeconomics, and more. He’s also a contributing editor at Vogue, a former columnist for Slate, and contributor to other publications.

“Homelessness in Ireland is at crisis point, and the vitriol shown towards homeless people is just as shocking” (2020)#- Megan Nolan

In Ireland, the housing crisis has been a big issue for years. Recently, it’s come to a head in part due to a few high-profile incidents, such as the death of a young woman in emergency accommodation. The number of children experiencing homelessness (around 4,000) has also shone a light on the severity of the issue. In this essay, Megan Nolan explores homelessness in Ireland as well as the contempt that society has for those who are unhoused.

Megan Nolan writes a column for the New Statesman. She also writes essays, criticism, and fiction. She’s from Ireland but based in London.

You may also like

16 Inspiring Civil Rights Leaders You Should Know

15 Trusted Charities Fighting for Housing Rights

15 Examples of Gender Inequality in Everyday Life

11 Approaches to Alleviate World Hunger 

15 Facts About Malala Yousafzai

12 Ways Poverty Affects Society

15 Great Charities to Donate to in 2024

15 Quotes Exposing Injustice in Society

14 Trusted Charities Helping Civilians in Palestine

The Great Migration: History, Causes and Facts

Social Change 101: Meaning, Examples, Learning Opportunities

Rosa Parks: Biography, Quotes, Impact

About the author, emmaline soken-huberty.

Emmaline Soken-Huberty is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon. She started to become interested in human rights while attending college, eventually getting a concentration in human rights and humanitarianism. LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and climate change are of special concern to her. In her spare time, she can be found reading or enjoying Oregon’s natural beauty with her husband and dog.

Essay on Homelessness

Students are often asked to write an essay on Homelessness in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Homelessness

Understanding homelessness.

Homelessness is a serious issue where people lack a safe and stable place to live. It’s often caused by many factors like poverty, lack of affordable housing, and job loss.

Causes of Homelessness

The main causes of homelessness are economic issues, personal troubles, and societal problems. Sometimes, people lose their jobs and can’t afford rent. Other times, personal issues like addiction or mental health problems lead to homelessness.

Effects of Homelessness

Homelessness affects people’s health and well-being. It’s hard to stay healthy without a safe place to sleep and eat. It can also make it difficult to find a job or go to school.

Addressing Homelessness

To help homeless people, we can support organizations that provide shelter, food, and services. We can also advocate for more affordable housing and job opportunities. Everyone deserves a safe place to call home.

250 Words Essay on Homelessness

The phenomenon of homelessness.

Homelessness is a complex societal issue that extends beyond the absence of physical housing. It is a multifaceted problem, deeply rooted in economic instability, systemic failures, and personal circumstances.

Economic Factors

Economic factors play a critical role in homelessness. Rising housing costs, unemployment, and poverty often force individuals and families into homelessness. The lack of affordable housing is particularly problematic, creating a gap between income and housing costs that many cannot bridge.

Systemic Failures

Systemic failures, including lack of social support and inadequate mental health services, also contribute to homelessness. Without proper safety nets, individuals struggling with mental health issues, addiction, or domestic violence may end up on the streets.

Personal Circumstances

Personal circumstances such as family breakdown, job loss, or health crises can also lead to homelessness. These situations can quickly escalate, leaving individuals without a stable living situation.

Addressing homelessness requires a comprehensive approach that tackles economic, systemic, and personal dimensions. It involves implementing affordable housing policies, strengthening social support systems, and providing resources for mental health and addiction services.

Homelessness is a complex issue that demands a nuanced understanding and a multi-pronged approach. By acknowledging and addressing the multifaceted nature of homelessness, society can move towards a more inclusive and equitable future.

500 Words Essay on Homelessness

Introduction.

Homelessness is a complex societal issue that has persisted for centuries. It is a state where individuals lack stable, safe, and adequate nighttime residence. This predicament is not confined to a specific region or country but is a global concern that affects millions of people. The complexity of homelessness is tied to an intricate web of systemic issues such as poverty, lack of affordable housing, and societal neglect.

The Causes of Homelessness

Homelessness does not occur in a vacuum. It is a result of a multitude of factors, both systemic and individual. Economic instability is a significant factor. The widening gap between the rich and the poor, coupled with the lack of affordable housing, has led to an increase in the number of homeless individuals. Furthermore, life events such as job loss, family breakdown, or health crises can quickly lead to homelessness if the individual lacks a support system.

Mental health issues and substance abuse also play a role. Many homeless individuals suffer from mental health disorders or addiction, which can lead to job loss, social isolation, and eventually, homelessness. These issues are often exacerbated by the lack of access to appropriate healthcare and social services.

Impact on Society and Individuals

Homelessness has a profound impact on both individuals and society. For individuals, it often means a life of constant insecurity, poor health, and social exclusion. Homeless people are more likely to experience violence, harassment, and discrimination. Furthermore, they often suffer from physical illnesses and mental health issues at much higher rates than the general population.

From a societal perspective, homelessness is a significant economic burden. The cost of emergency healthcare, law enforcement, and social services for homeless individuals is substantial. Moreover, homelessness can lead to increased crime rates and decreased community cohesion, impacting the quality of life for all community members.

Addressing homelessness requires a multifaceted approach. This includes increasing the availability of affordable housing, providing access to healthcare (including mental health services), and creating job opportunities for those at risk. Furthermore, it is crucial to develop social programs that provide a safety net for individuals experiencing life crises.

Preventive measures are equally important. This includes addressing income inequality, improving access to education, and providing support for at-risk populations such as veterans and individuals with mental health issues.

Homelessness is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive and compassionate approach. It is a reflection of the systemic failures of society, and addressing it requires confronting these systemic issues head-on. By increasing the availability of affordable housing, improving access to healthcare and social services, and implementing preventive measures, we can make significant strides towards reducing homelessness. As a society, we must remember that every individual deserves the dignity of a safe and stable home.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Health
• Essay on Having a Pet
• Essay on Harriet Tubman

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Leveraging a Critical Tool to Prevent and End Youth Homelessness

The Official Blog of the National Alliance to End Homelessness

This blog post is the first in a series on Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) vouchers.

A 2019 report issued by Chapin Hall found that a history of foster care is common among young adults experiencing homelessness. Unfortunately, homelessness is also common among youth transitioning from care: more than one in four youth who turn 17 in foster care report experiencing a homeless episode by age 21. Analysis of National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD) cohorts consistently find that 1 in 2 transition-age youth who reported experiencing homelessness as a child will have at least one additional homeless episode by age 21.

But there’s a critical resource that states can tap into to keep these youth housed.

Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) vouchers provide dedicated rental assistance to support youth in two situations: youth exiting foster care who are at risk of homelessness, and youth who have become homeless (or at risk of homelessness) after having been in foster care. FYI vouchers can be accessed through a noncompetitive process by public housing agencies (PHAs) that partner with child welfare agencies that agree to identify, refer, and secure services to support eligible youth. The noncompetitive process allow eligible PHAs to access FYI vouchers on an-as needed basis, as eligible youth are identified and referred by child welfare agency partners.

FYI Voucher Usage: High Need, Low Engagement

New state-level data maps released in partnership with the National Center on Housing and Child Welfare demonstrate both high need for this housing resources and low engagement in accessing this new resource. Specifically, the maps show:

• High numbers of youth transitioning from care experience homelessness across states;
• Many PHAs are not yet accessing FYI vouchers to assist youth despite the evident need; and
• Many youth preparing to transition from care will soon require housing assistance to avoid homelessness and achieve stable housing outcomes.

The maps are intended to serve as an interactive resource for state and local partners working to prevent and end homelessness for youth. The maps can be used to educate public housing and child welfare agency leaders, as well as other key stakeholders, about the urgent need for action in their state and the availability of this critically valuable resource that many localities are not yet utilizing.

The Importance of Education and Advocacy on State and Local Levels

The Alliance encourages state and local homelessness advocates to educate their state and local partners about how the FYI voucher program can prevent and end homelessness for a population at high risk. The Alliance has developed an infographic and other resource material on the FYI program for use by local partners.

Other tools that advocates may use to energize public partners and allies include:

• Videos and other educational material from HUD that provide an overview of the FYI program and how PHAs can access the resources, including a list of all PHAs that have accessed FYI vouchers (as of October 31, 2023); an FYI explainer video ; and a walkthrough of the FYI form submission process: video , slides , and application form .
• State-level data from the National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD) that provides detailed information about the outcomes of youth transitioning from foster care. This data includes information for each state on multiple domains, including educational and employment attainment (which can be improved when youth have access to stable housing).
• Localities’ own data from the Point-in-Time Count (PIT) or other surveys showing the prevalence of homelessness among young people, including those who may have exited foster care.
• Testimony of young people who have experienced homelessness after exiting foster care and the importance of housing to stabilize their lives.

The Alliance Welcomes Your Input

The Alliance will continue work to explore state and local access and implementation of FYI vouchers. We welcome the opportunity to learn from Continuums of Care (Cocs) and other local partners leveraging this resource to connect eligible youth to housing. Please feel free to reach out to Sharon McDonald ( [email protected] ) and/or Malik Rivers ( [email protected] ) to share successes and challenges in accessing and using FYI vouchers to assist youth that other localities can learn from.

Privacy Overview

Youth Homelessness in the United States

How it works

Imagine having to live on the streets, in unbearable conditions, never knowing what it is like to be in a stable environment. This presents many challenges faced by children as young as a few months old. These challenges are faced by some of the more than 500,000 children (Bass 2017). These children do not have anywhere to call home and very little resources to help them a place to live. These numbers of homeless youth are increasing making it harder to accompany and house these children.

While the number of homeless youth is increasing, more homeless shelters are being created, more social interaction between homeless youth is occurring, and help for abused homeless youth is being made more available.

Many demographics of homeless youth exist. In 2012-13 the U.S. Department of Education documented more than 1.2 million homeless students in the nation’s public elementary, middle and high schools (Wertheim and Rodriguez 2014). This means that youth of all ages are becoming or are already homeless in America. What a scary thought to think that anyone around you, in your school could be homeless and no one would even know it. It is often hard to even distinguish homeless students from non homeless students because appearances can be very deceiving.

With the rising population of homeless youth, homeless shelters are finding it harder than ever to occupy all of these children. Still, the shelter was scary All night long, I heard yelling and fighting. I couldn’t stay another minute. says Kyle Kubaska (DiConsiglio 2007). Homeless shelters are often overcrowded, and loud, which does not help homeless children to feel safe and secure. It is so difficult for families and their children to get a spot in a shelter. Many shelters even have an occupancy level they will not go over due to the lack of supplies the shelter may have. Beds may also not be available for these youth causing many of them and their families, to have to sleep on the streets.

With the lack of space for homeless youth, comes the increase in social services for them. Those developments are occurring at the same time the social services continue a significant expansion on the street to centralize resources for the homeless and others and meet growing demand by single women and children. (Nishimura 2014). Social work is helping these families get back on their feet. Social workers help people in need by giving them resources to help them out of their situations.

Youth Homeless shelters are becoming scarce in the United States. Estimates of the number of youths who run away or are homeless in the United States range from 450,000 to as many as 2.8 million every year (Greene 1997). With this number comes a need for more shelters. Homeless shelters feed, and house homeless youth, families, and more. They are a place to stay especially in harshly cold or hot temperatures. Staff and non profits are helping create more homeless shelters for homeless and runaway youth, but it takes a lot of time. In 1974, Congress enacted the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act, which provides support for shelters and Transitional Living Programs (Greene 1997). This was a huge advancement for homeless teenagers across the country. The Runaway and Homeless Youth act also made it possible for these small organizations and shelters to continue what they are doing and increasing their budget.

This act did not increase the size of these shelters though. Occupancy has been high in these shelters for a long time. So with the rising number of youth and their families who must spend the night in the shelters, there becomes less space. Most of the shelters only receive funding from state and local governments and private sources (Greene 1997). The funding given to the shelters is often not enough to expand the shelter, it may just provide more food and supplies.

Homeless youth are not being well educated. The number of homeless teenagers and children attending school is very low. In Tacoma , Washington a program known as the McCarver Elementary School Special Housing Program was created (Blad 2014).The programs often involve collaboration between public and private entities that don’t typically work together, such as schools, health-care providers, and social service groups (Blad 2014). This program gave housing opportunities for homeless families in the Tacoma area. In the Tacoma pilot, 50 families with children who attend the 28,000-student district’s McCarver Elementary School agreed to keep their children enrolled in the high-poverty school for as long as they participate in the program, to become more involved in their children’s education through parent-teacher conferences and volunteering at the school, and to work with caseworkers on a plan to improve the education and employment of adults in the household (Blad 2014).

The McCarver Elementary School Special Housing Program gave kids the want to push them to get a higher education. A positive of this program was also that the parents of the children at McCarver Elementary School who were homeless helped their kids achieve greater academic goals which would further help them to get off the streets. Education was lacking in many homeless youth but with initiatives like this, new doors are opening for homeless children and their families.

Housing for homeless youth is not very abundant. Yes, shelters are an option but there is always the possibility they could be full. Different organizations and nonprofit groups are helping to create housing for these kids. With fundraisers and benefit auctions these nonprofits must make money to create new housing options for the homeless. The majority of the population of homeless youth are spending their nights on the streets. They are either living in tents or on benches in parks or near rivers. These families must sleep in harsh temperatures with barely enough resources.More than a third (37 percent) of homeless families nationally have been homeless more than once (Nunez 1999). This means that these people living on the streets have done it many times before, which never teaches their children what it is like to be in a stable environment.

The main reason that these families end up on the streets are the loss of jobs, and unqualification to rent or own a house. Forty-three percent of homeless parents have never rented or owned their own residence (Nunez 1999). With this percentage shows that these parents are unqualified to have a place to call home. Many times these families do not want to bring their children to an abandoned building, where they could stay, and would rather just stay on the street.

There is a large difference between homeless youth and runaway youth. A runway is commonly defined as a youth under 18 years of age who leaves home without parental consent for at least 24 hours. A runaway may also be “pushed out” of his/her home, or removed from his/her current, intolerable living situation by child protective services (Kurtz and Kurtz 1991) .Many children who runaway are not with their families, they left their home due to an underlying cause. Homeless children normally are with their families who may have lost their job or lost all their money. Children runaway mainly due to some type of abuse inflicted on them by a parent or family member. Children born into a homeless family had no choice to become homeless, they were brought into this world living on the streets.

Many youth that runaway have had a traumatic experience and felt like running away would fix their problems. This is almost never the case. These children must find a place to sleep and find services to help them get back on their feet. One of the main causes for children to runaway is abuse. There are three different types of abuse, sexual , physical, and emotional. Children suffering with either one are often scared for life and are not often able to confront their assaulter. Parents are mainly the inflictors of this pain, thus the reason homeless youth want to leave their homes.

Emotional abuse has horrible effects on homeless youth. Parents threatening to divorce, or blaming their divorce on their children is a huge emotional scar. Runaway children that become homeless often blame themselves for the trauma they have endured. Even homeless youth already on the streets can experience emotional abuse. Examples of this can range from a parent abusing drugs, to a parent losing all their money. This takes a toll on the children being affected by it.

Often times children from homes where fighting between parents is constant, leave their home in search of a better life. This is mostly false as the outside world is rough for a struggling homeless teenager. LGBTQ teenagers are often the most emotionally abused of them all. If they come from strict or conservative religious families their parent often times will not accept them for who they are, which leads them to runaway from home. Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) homeless youths face the obstacle of survival on the streets as well as the stigma of sexual minority group membership(Cochran 2002). This demographic often faces more challenges on the streets than non LGBTQ youth. Many of the population living on the streets are either homeless or runaways who left the shame from their parents behind them.

LGBTQ youth face even more challenges than a heterosexual homeless youth. Among adolescents in general, GLBT youths are more vulnerable to health and psychological problems than are heterosexual youths(Cochran 2002). They face a stigmatism put on them from the press and media. In many cases they came from abusive households who pressured them to leave due to their sexuality. Many are victims of parental physical abuse, are substance abusers, and have both mental and general physical health problems (Cochran 2002). This means that many of them were abused by their parents which caused them to runaway.

Another type of abuse homeless youth face is physical abuse. This type of abuse occurs when a child is physically assaulted leading to horrible effects. They often become untrustworthy of the people in their lives and the surroundings. The physically abused were significantly more likely to experience the family maltreatment problems of domestic violence and neglect by a parent figure(Kurtz and Kurtz 1991). This abuse almost always is inflicted by a close family member like a mom or dad.

Compared with nonabused homeless youth and abused runaways there was very little in common between the two. The abused children had many more problems in life and on the streets than that of the nonabused children. The physically abused and nonabused runaways did not differ regarding problems in school. Approximately 25-30% of the youth in both groups had problems in relationships with teachers, underachievement, and unruly behavior (Kurtz and Kurtz 1991). This was almost the only thing the two demographics had in common. Other than that the two groups lived completely different lives, but the two groups were still living on the streets.

Sexual abuse is another type of abuse faced by many homeless youth. Like physically abused youth, many sexually abused children often runaway or become homeless due to their parents influences on them. Sexually abused runaways reported more personal problems than did the sexually nonabused (Kurtz and Kurtz 1991). With these problems comes emotional hardships faced by the homeless victims of sexual assault and abuse. Depression runs very high in people who have had an experience where they were sexually abused. A child’s only chance to get away is oftentimes to runaway and leave their life behind because of their abuser.

These children who must face these experiences become cases of social workers and live in shelters with many other homeless youth who faced the same problems as them. Sexually abused children do not have nearly as many problems within their families, which is good. This is because their abuser is often times a distant family member who they have not seen often. That is how it is so easy for them to not get caught. There was a highly significant relationship between sexual abuse and suicide this is because their problems are often inescapable (Kurtz and Kurtz 1991).

Homeless youth are not people to be scared of, they are just like anyone else, their situations are different. Many new ways in trying to help the numbers of homeless youth to decrease are being created. This is especially present due to the increase in the creation of youth homeless shelters which allow these children and their families to get off the street. Social work is also becoming much more available for homeless youth and homeless families to get back up on their feet. Help such as therapy is also being made more available for abused homeless youth. With much more help from civilians, nonprofits, and organization the number of homeless youth could drop to zero.

Cite this page

Youth Homelessness in the United States. (2019, Sep 08). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/youth-homelessness-in-the-united-states/

"Youth Homelessness in the United States." PapersOwl.com , 8 Sep 2019, https://papersowl.com/examples/youth-homelessness-in-the-united-states/

PapersOwl.com. (2019). Youth Homelessness in the United States . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/youth-homelessness-in-the-united-states/ [Accessed: 10 May. 2024]

"Youth Homelessness in the United States." PapersOwl.com, Sep 08, 2019. Accessed May 10, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/youth-homelessness-in-the-united-states/

"Youth Homelessness in the United States," PapersOwl.com , 08-Sep-2019. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/youth-homelessness-in-the-united-states/. [Accessed: 10-May-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2019). Youth Homelessness in the United States . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/youth-homelessness-in-the-united-states/ [Accessed: 10-May-2024]

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Hire a writer to get a unique paper crafted to your needs.

Our writers will help you fix any mistakes and get an A+!

Please check your inbox.

You can order an original essay written according to your instructions.

Trusted by over 1 million students worldwide

1. Tell Us Your Requirements

2. Pick your perfect writer

3. Get Your Paper and Pay

Hi! I'm Amy, your personal assistant!

Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert.

short deadlines

100% Plagiarism-Free

Certified writers

Opinion: This is how we can help foster youth avoid homelessness

• Show more sharing options
• Copy Link URL Copied!

Torosian is CEO of Promises2Kids, a nonprofit founded in 1981 as the Child Abuse Prevention Foundation. She lives in Talmadge.

At 21, I had never heard much about foster care. Coming from a loving and nurturing family, I could not imagine a child being abused. As I began my journey in becoming a dedicated and passionate advocate for child welfare, I met incredible children and teens who were thrown into a system after being horrifically abused by their parents. I thought they were now safe and as foster children would be taken care of and flourish. I learned this was not the case. During that time, the system was not a safe place for children.

Today, as CEO of Promises2Kids, I continue my personal and professional mission to create a brighter future for foster children. Promises2Kids annually provides over 2,000 current and former foster children in San Diego County with the tools, opportunities and guidance they need to address the circumstances that brought them into foster care, overcome the difficulties of their past, and grow into healthy, happy and successful adults.

Yet homelessness persists among foster youth transitioning out of the program. According to the National Institute of Health, youths aging out of foster care are at high risk for becoming homeless during the transition to adulthood. From 31 percent to 46 percent of this study’s participants were homeless at least once by age 26 years. Running away while in foster care, greater placement instability, being male, having a history of suffering physical abuse, engaging in more delinquent behaviors and having symptoms of a mental health disorder were associated with an increase in the relative risk of becoming homeless. Helping prevent homelessness for foster youth has long been one of my passions.

At Promises2Kids, we advocate for the well-being of foster youth as they face the challenges of leaving foster care. Through our mental health therapists, programs, Camp Connect, Guardian Scholars, Foster Funds and the A.B and Jessie Polinsky Children’s Center, we work diligently and passionately to help foster youth transition into adulthood. Over 20 years ago, we launched Guardian Scholars to provide a pathway to post-secondary education for those who grew up in foster care. Guardian Scholars has an 85 percent success rate, compared to less than 10 percent of foster youth nationally who will complete college.

The reality for foster youth is that their basic income levels, lack of a support network, coupled with San Diego’s rising cost of living, has many struggling to meet their basic needs of food and shelter. This makes our mission more essential than ever, particularly in helping youth avoid homelessness. In fact, former foster youth are one of the highest groups at risk of homelessness, with approximately 30 percent of them becoming homeless within 18 to 24 months of leaving foster care at the age of 21 .

Nationally, after exiting care, 47 percent are unemployed , and 33 percent are receiving public assistance . Federal statistics show California remains the state with the highest population of people experiencing homelessness overall and the highest number of unaccompanied homeless youth. According to San Diego Youth Services, more than 2,000 youth experience homelessness in San Diego County and make up about 20 percent of the county’s unsheltered homeless population. The reported number of homeless youth is likely a vast undercount.

What can we do to help address this problem? What it comes down to is the human element, the understanding that youth — from those coming out of foster care to others in mid- to low-income environments faced with the options of continuing education — have common needs that must be addressed. At Promises2Kids, we are in the process of establishing an intensive prevention-based diversion program for 50 of San Diego’s highest risk adults, former foster youth, with guaranteed income support. While they receive the guaranteed income, we will be increasing their ability to earn higher wages, secure career focused jobs, increase their financial literacy, access community resources and develop a strong support system through mentoring. We have found that mentoring is the key.

A study , Natural Mentoring and Psychosocial Outcomes among Older Youth Transitioning From Foster Care, explained, “Mentoring relationships, or consistent connections between caring non-parent adults and children, can be life changing … these benefits may occur through a variety of mediating processes.”

Foster youth, and youth in general, need clear options available to them, the resources to decide which options will provide them with the best path forward and the support systems to make this happen.

Get Weekend Opinion on Sundays and Reader Opinion on Mondays

Editorials, commentary and more delivered Sunday morning, and Reader Reaction on Mondays.

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the San Diego Union-Tribune.

More in this section

Opinion: Mexican moms get to celebrate two days in May. Here’s a tribute to my own mother.

We would not be reading this if the mother womb did not exist

May 9, 2024

Opinion: Having mothers stand together in solidarity is needed now more than ever

Toppel serves as the chief operating officer of Jewish Family Service of San Diego and is the founder of Make Work Work for Moms.

Guiding the path of those in foster care

May is the National Foster Care Month, an opportunity to spread the word about the needs of the more than 391,000 children and young people in foster care.

May 8, 2024

Opinion: I am serving a life sentence at San Quentin. I know budget cuts will hurt foster youth.

I am concerned and saddened about the governor’s proposed cuts to three programs that have been lifelines for thousands of foster children and families.

Opinion: I am a foster child. I was lost until one local organization gave me hope.

I am filled with optimism and determination. That’s because that I know that with perseverance and support, anything is possible.

May 7, 2024

Opinion: My life has been enriched by volunteering for foster youth. Yours will be too.

During the last eight years, I have seen rambunctious kids become well-adjusted adults.

McLean County school districts try to help homeless youth. They have to find them first

When it comes to helping youth experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness, schools can play a surprisingly vital role in providing stability and aid — if they’re aware there’s an issue in the first place.

Oftentimes, they’re not.

Nationally, numbers for students who are eligible for services under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act — which ensures equal access to education for all homeless students — are underreported . McLean County is no different.

“Part of the entire conversation around McKinney-Vento is that so much of it is hidden and hard to identify,” said Kayla Arnolts, homeless liaison for the Regional Office of Education #17, covering McLean, DeWitt, Logan and Livingston counties.

McKinney-Vento defines stable housing as fixed, adequate and regular. It covers students living on the street, living with a relative, or whose house doesn't have an essential utility, such as water or gas.

McKinney-Vento funding can aid in several ways, including tutoring, school supplies, registration fees, and in more extreme cases, temporary housing and transportation to school.

Despite the federal program's intentionally wide reach, Arnolts said families across the spectrum often don't want to be associated with homelessness.

“They don’t want that label, so a lot of families will just immediately say ‘No. No thank you. We’ll figure it out. We’re fine,’” she explained.

When this happens, students don't access even the most basic resources under McKinney-Vento, such as tutoring, she added.

In the Olympia school district , Superintendent Laura O'Donnell said school officials are aware of the identification issue. She said they currently have fewer than 10 students labeled as McKinney-Vento eligible. There are around 900 students total in the district, and O'Donnell said the number of students experiencing housing insecurity has been dropping in recent years.

“Our assumption is that our families are under reporting some of their living conditions, or not reporting their living conditions,” she said, adding Olympia wants to tackle this issue head-on through additional staff training.

Olympia family coordinator Michelle Maris said the district also is trying to work on finding more students upon registration. Administration is tweaking forms to include more user-friendly language that would classify a student as homeless under the federal guidelines without calling them homeless — so they can still get help.

“We’re hoping that maybe some families might check that box of, you know, they don’t have water, they don’t have heat, they don’t have electricity,” she said.

At the regional level, it's Arnolts' job to make sure schools and educators know how to get families help. In her role with the Regional Office of Education, she works with Olympia and other districts on training for homeless prevention services in schools.

Poverty simulation

Arnolts also did this at a recent poverty simulation recently held at the YWCA McLean County in Bloomington.

Educators in attendance assumed the role of a person in poverty, from single adults to children, and volunteers played employees at relevant agencies: the unemployment office, social services, and the schools.

They struggled weekly to make ends meet — and oftentimes didn't, skipping out on groceries for a week to pay loans, or forgoing the rent to get food.

Participants had fun during the simulation and Arnolts said that was part of the point, but she emphasized the situations were reflective of actual people, too.

“It’s real in our community,” she told the crowd, adding that at the end of February there were 600 homeless students identified across the 29 school districts she covers — and seven school districts didn’t report any students as homeless.

Susan Trammel, an art teacher at Woodland Community School District in Lake County, said in a discussion after the simulation she grew up in poverty, and participating helped her realize all her mom had done to support them.

“More people should have to come to this,” she said.

Arnolts told WGLT the poverty simulation is just one way to educate people about the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act — and it doesn't encompass the entire scope of the program.

Beyond Poverty

Not everyone who is unhoused or housing insecure is in poverty. Arnolts pointed to people affected by natural disasters and house fires, that may also be eligible for McKinney-Vento resources.

The poverty simulation is valuable, she said, because it exposes people to aspects of unstable shelter not always classified as traditionally homeless, though.

“Now we have a whole community of people who went through it,” she explained.

And unlike Arnolts, the educators who attended the simulation interact with students daily. Then, there are the homeless liaisons on the front lines in each school district.

These are the people selected per federal regulations under McKinney-Vento to identify students who are eligible for services. Individual schools often have additional liaisons or other persons dedicated to this task as well.

'These are my families'

Julie Burke is the homeless liaison for District 87 and a social worker at Irving Elementary School . There are just under 200 students identified for the district as housing insecure.

As part of her role, Burke does frequent home visits to students and their families, dropping off care packages and even getting them beds when they have none. She'll also take them to doctor's appointments, the food pantry or anywhere else she is able.

“These are my families,” she said. “I care about these families, and when you meet them, you go to their homes and see what they need, you just gotta get it. You gotta get them what they need."

Many of the homeless services District 87 offers — including care packages and the beds Burke will request — are not covered by McKinney-Vento funding. Neither is food or rental assistance.

For these, Burkes relies on other funding streams, including donations, partnerships and additional Regional Office of Education grant supports.

These efforts take time, though, and while Burke has the unique ability to spend half her day working as a homeless liaison, not all of the liaisons do.

At Unit 5 , Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Kristal Shelvin is the homeless liaison. There are about 150 students identified as housing insecure. She said she and the district are limited in how much help it can provide.

Shelvin said Unit 5 can’t do case management — which is more of what Burke does. Instead, she said the district focuses on introducing people in need to social service agencies that can help not just students, but their entire family.

“It’s important that we’re the people who do the warm hand off to another agency,” she said.

Helping with rental assistance or securing housing for families is near impossible, Shelvin added, and that's the kind of support many Unit 5 families need.

When external funding — including a recent federal grant allocated through the Town of Normal — does become available, Shelvin said Unit 5 will try to use it for those areas McKinney-Vento doesn’t cover.

Unit 5 spokesperson Dayna Brown added the district has to prioritize funding students' success in schools.

“Our role is to break down barriers to education,” she said. “We are not a social service organization. I mean, we’re a school district, and we don’t have the capacity to do all that we wish we could.”

Arnolts with the Regional Office of Education pointed out the federal homeless assistance act only requires schools to aid students, not their families. She said districts decide where to put their resources outside of the federal law to help with items it doesn't cover.

She said assisting with housing support takes a lot more time and resources.

“It’s hard,” she said. “It’s really hard.”

At school districts with fewer students, it can be easier to provide higher levels of support.

For example, Olympia was able to partner with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services [DCFS] to make a family's home livable again.

Family coordinator Michelle Maris said DCFS is paying for electric repairs and a washer and dryer installation, and community members are stepping up to help with the rest.

“They’re gonna put new lights in, new switches, new wiring, some new drywall, they’re gonna paint the walls," she said. “That’s what we want is if we don’t have the housing provided and we know that it is inadequate that our communities can come around those families and make it adequate housing.”

Olympia also faces unique issues since students are from five counties. O'Donnell and Maris say finding the right resources for families can be difficult since it has to be in their geographic location — but they make do.

Superintendent Laura O'Donnell said the district relies on the Promise Council to fill in gaps that McKinney-Vento won't cover. State Farm helped develop Promise Councils over a decade ago to support schools. Olympia, Unit 5 and District 87 are all in the Promise Council network.

“They have bent over backward to make sure we have what we need, and our families have they need,” she said.

In Heyworth , Superintendent Lisa Taylor said six students are identified as homeless — and they all express high needs.

“But for us, because the number is so small, we tend to really target the individual families,” she said.

In addition to the district's homeless liaison, Taylor said typically the counselors and teachers know about a student's situation and can provide supports as well.

Most Heyworth students are in double up situations, Taylor added, where their family is staying with relatives or friends. The district does what it can to get students transport to school and get them classroom supplies and even clothes if needed.

Taylor said the district looks with the families for housing opportunities, but supply is an issue. There's even fewer housing options than in Bloomington-Normal.

At the same time, she said the number of homeless students is remaining consistent annually, but their needs are worsening.

“Those cases have definitely become more extreme, and I think that’s just part of not having transportation and housing and jobs,” she explained.

There's effectively no housing available in Heyworth, she added.

“Housing itself is probably the biggest limitation for everyone at this time, but especially the families facing these challenges,” Taylor said.

Olympia, Unit 5 and District 87 also mentioned housing as the largest barrier to getting students the support they may need. There's a housing shortage across the county.

And even if there was an abundance of housing, funds to support housing-specific needs are limited under federal homeless assistance, and some families might not meet rental requirements.

Arnolts said there is no one solution to the issue of youth homelessness.

“If I knew the one thing that could fix it, I’d say drop it out of the sky,” she said. “But I don’t know what it is, and so we have to work with what we have,” she said, indicating the funding for homeless assistance and prevention — and educators' abilities to make relationships with the students and families in need.

Youth Today

Homeless and runaway youth services center program support grants

Thank you for reading Youth Today!

Become a subscriber for access to unlimited news stories and premium content including our grants listings.

Already a subscriber? Log in to enjoy unlimited access.

Recommended for you

Get Our Newsletter

Latest News

Kids, screen time & despair: An expert in economics & happiness sounds the alarm

Jean Twenge accused smartphones of “destroying a generation” of kids. Another says they "...

As more youth struggle with behavior and traditional supports fall short, clinicians are partnering with lawyers to help

In medical-legal partnerships, health and law professionals team up to address health-harming legal needs.

More states are allowing child support payments to reach children

Annually, hundreds of millions in child support payments is seized to "pay back" welfare.

Photo essay: The faces of college protests in four American cities

May 1 — Encampments and protests: Washington, D.C.; New York; Atlanta; and Los Angeles.

LGBTQ students wonder what’s next as conservative states seek to block new Title IX rules

Two days after new Title IX rules were published, 15 states announced they're suing.

Colleges are now closing at a pace of one a week. What happens to the students?

Most students at colleges that close give up on their educations altogether.

Parents tote toddlers to D.C. to press for expanded child tax credit, child care funds

Parents pushed for funding child-care, establishing paid family leave, and expanding child tax credits.

Ali Knight appointed chief executive officer of GreenLight Fund

Ali Knight succeeds co-founder and 20-year CEO Margaret Hall on May 20, 2024.

In a disastrous year, states that mandate FAFSA completion fared a bit better

Three of the 10 states with the highest completion rates have mandatory FAFSA policies.

‘Universal design’ builds in accessibility for disabled people on the front end

Universal design views everyone’s needs for access as equally important, regardless of their limitations. 

Despite outcry over seclusion at juvenile detention centers, Tennessee lawmakers fail to pass oversight bill

It aimed to empower an independent agency to require changes when standards were violated.

• Click2Houston
• Seen On Houston Life
• Be On The Show
• Things To Do

WEATHER ALERT

9 warnings in effect for 12 counties in the area

Houston life, from couch surfing, to the streets, covenant house texas works to help fight youth homelessness in houston, “a night of broadway stars” at wortham center will raise funds and awareness of the growing problem.

Javana Vela , Houston Life Producer

Houston – Covenant House operates facilities all over the country, and the work they’re doing is really changing lives here in Houston.

They’re a non-profit, faith-based organization working to overcome youth homelessness. They provide shelter for homeless, abused, and abandoned youth ages 18 to 24 and offer services that stretch far beyond a roof over someone’s head.

Homeless youth attending Covenant House Texas can find mental health and substance use counseling, educational and vocational training, transitional and permanent living programs, and much more.

We spoke to the Houston organization’s chief development officer Felicia Broussard, as well as a young woman named Abigail. Abigail’s life was changed when she started going to Covenant House Texas.

Abigail said she was active in addiction for six years, homeless, and in and out of jail. She tells us she felt hopeless and down and out.

“ This last time I got into trouble, I just prayed, and I prayed, and I prayed, and I prayed, and I was like, you know, wherever you want me to go, take me there. And I got into the Covenant House” Abigail says.

Abigail entered the program in February and now says she’s doing incredibly well. She works as a receptionist for Covenant House and is saving money in hopes of moving to a different program for youth with jobs.

“When I found out about the Covenant House, I was like, oh my gosh, this is amazing. They provide everything. I mean, they have everything.”

We were inspired by Abigail’s story and her message to others in the same situation. “If I can do it, anyone can do it.”

A NIGHT OF BROADWAY STARS

Covenant House Texas will host a fun event on May 16 to raise funds and awareness for Houston homeless youth. Some of Broadway’s best vocalists will perform at Houston’s Wortham Theater Center to sing for and alongside members of Covenant House Texas. The event is hosted by Broadway actress, singer, and performer Rita Harvey, known for her roles in Phantom of the Opera, Fiddler on the Roof, and more. Sponsorship tables are still available for purchase. You can find more information here.

You can visit Covenant House Texas at their temporary location in Third Ward. Their building in Montrose is under construction. When renovations are finished by January 2025, they will be able to increase the number of youth they serve by 50%.

If you or someone you know can benefit from resources at Covenant House Texas, contact them or visit their website.

Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.

About the Author

Javana vela.

Recommended Videos