Fast Facts
Young people face a number of challenges growing up. Homelessness shouldn’t be one of them. Unfortunately, young people are at a far greater risk of becoming homeless through experiences outside of their control. This includes having suffered or witnessed abuse or neglect in the home, or if their family falls into hard times.
Young people identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning are more likely to face rejection from loved ones, and children in foster care have a greater risk of becoming homeless at an earlier rage.
Facts about homeless youth
By the numbers
- In January 2015, more than 206,000 people in families with children experienced homelessness across the United States. Another 73,700 youth were homeless and living apart from their families. That’s a larger number than the entire population of Thurston County, home to Washington’s state capitol.
- Roughly 32% of the total homeless population is young people under the age of 24.
- In the 2014-2015 school year, more than 35,000 public school students of all ages in Washington state were identified as homeless. That’s enough to fill over 500 school buses.
- Some homeless children and youth are with their families. However, in Washington state, nearly 13,000 unaccompanied youth access homeless housing and services each year in Washington.
Risk factors and demographics
- Contrary to popular stereotypes, approximately 70–75% of homeless youth are “local,” meaning they come from the immediately surrounding geographic area.
- Family conflict is the most prevalent reason youth and young adults identify for becoming homeless.
- Up to 50% of homeless youth have been placed in foster care or an institutional setting—like the juvenile justice system—at some point in their lives. These are vital programs, but they lack sufficient resources to support all young people. As a result, children slip through the cracks or “age out” of services.
- Up to 40% of homeless youth are LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, or Questioning). Family rejection on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is a frequent factor contributing to LGBTQ homelessness.
- Homeless youth suffer significant mental health problems, including depression, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorders.
You can help
- These youth have enormous potential. All around us are future doctors, writers, artists, teachers, and thinkers. Let’s tap into the potential inside every young person in Washington state.
- You can help prevent and end homelessness in Washington state. Learn how.
Additional Resources:
- Download our 2017 Legislative Agenda
- Download our fact sheet
- Download Youth Homelessness in Washington – Executive Summary
- Download Youth Homelessness in Washington – Full Report
- Read more about youth homelessness
- We welcome new partners, and look forward to connecting with with you. Please download our Pledge and return the signed form to info@awayhomewa.org.