Young people experience homelessness in communities across Washington.

About Homelessness

When young people have a stable home, supportive connections and access to needed services, they have the opportunity to successfully transition into adulthood and thrive.

The circumstances that lead young people to experience homelessness vary from person to person. They may be rooted in family conflict, like running away from an abusive household or being kicked out of their home after coming out to their family as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or Queer/questioning. Other key contributing factors include racial disparities and systemic inequalities, aging out of foster care, poverty, mental health challenges, substance misuse and more. 

13,000-15,000

Unaccompanied young people are surviving homelessness on their own

39,972

School students known to be homeless in Washington

40%

Young people experiencing homelessness served by agencies identify as LGBTQ+

Youth and Young Adult Homelessness Defined

Youth (ages 12 to 18) and young adults (ages 18 through 24) experience homelessness when they do not have the means to live in a stable, safe home. These young people may be living with their family or unaccompanied  – living on their own, and can be unsheltered and staying with others (doubled up/couch surfing).