MENU FIND US ESCAPE Youth Homelessness Statistics & Facts Youth Homelessness Statistics and Facts Home → Get Informed → Youth Homelessness Statistics & Facts Definition: Homeless youth are typically defined as unaccompanied young people ages 12 and older who do not have a permanent place to stay and who are living in shelters, on the streets, in cars or vacant buildings, or are “couch surfing” or living in other unstable circumstances. Stay Connected Contact Us Find Us Share Description Young homeless people often become homeless in order to escape violence or abuse happening in their homes such as physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes LGBTQ youth (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered or questioning). Homeless youth may be: Sleeping at a friend’s house or couch surfing Riding the subway or staying on the street Trading work or sex for a place to stay or other needed resources Living in a car, sleeping in parks, abandoned buildings, or other public places Staying in a crisis shelter or transitional shelter Staying at someone else’s NYCHA or supportive housing apartment although not allowed to be there Forced to leave their home with nowhere to go Pathways to youth homelessness can include: Systemic issues: Due to a lack of affordable, safe and stable housing, youth may spend time in unstable temporary housing options, including family shelters, before becoming unaccompanied; Youth experience unstable foster care placements or are discharged from foster care due to age The historical and current impact of racism has limited the access to affordable housing and living wage employment for people of color Gentrification of urban areas has increased housing costs beyond the means of poor families Family issues: Youth may leave home after years of physical and sexual abuse, parental neglect, strained relationships, addiction of a family member; family inability to provide for the youth’s specific mental health or disability needs Family intolerance about sexual orientation or gender identity may result in a young person leaving or being told to leave Economic issues: Families suffer financial crises that lead to separation from the family; A youth choosing to or asked to leave the family as a response to overcrowding; Long term experiences of family poverty that make it difficult for families and youth to rise out of poverty Statistics and Facts National Homeless Youth Statistics Overall, unaccompanied homeless youth* represent 6% of the total homeless population in the United States. (HUD, 2017) On a single night in 2016, there were approximately 35,686 unaccompanied homeless youth throughout all of the United States. (HUD, 2017) 89% or 31,862 individuals were youth between the ages of 18 and 24 in 2016. (HUD, 2017) 11% or 3,824 individuals were youth under the age of 18 in 2016. (HUD, 2017) Overall, unaccompanied homeless youth* represent 6% of the total homeless population in the United States. (HUD, 2017) Reasons for Homelessness – Young People in New York City The 2013 count of homeless youth in New York City (performed on a single night in January 2013), captured the prevalent circumstances cited by youth as the reasons behind their homelessness. (NYC CCoC, 2013) 34% cite physical, mental or sexual abuse as a reason for homelessness in NYC 34% cite fighting frequently with parents as a reason for homelessness in NYC 31% city being kicked out of home as a reason for homelessness in NYC 26% cite neglect, parent not meeting basic needs as a reason for homelessness in NYC 20% city not willing to live by parents’ rules as a reason for homelessness in NYC Unstably Housed and Homeless Youth in New York City Statistics On a single night in January 2015, New York State had approximately 2,493 unaccompanied homeless youth who were between the ages of 18 and 24. (HUD, 2015) On a single night in January 2015, the New York City mayor’s office identified a total of 317 unstably housed individuals. (CIDI 2015)* This included youth in: Shelters Drop-in centers Transitional living programs Church beds Friend’s place or couch surfing Hospitals, jails, juvenile detention, mental health facilities, group homes Temporary places where they traded sex or were forced to have sex for shelter Of these individuals: Age: in 2015, 4% were under 18 years old in 2015, 44% were 18-20 years old in 2015, 52% were 21-24 years old Gender: 53% identified as male 38% identified as female 1% identified as trans-female 2% identified as trans-male Race/ethnicity: 38% identified as African American 25% identified as Hispanic 8% identified as White 20% identified with two or more races Sexual orientation: 51% identified as straight 44% identified as LGBTQ * Youth homelessness is often underreported and extremely difficult to track. Streetwork Transgender Support Group Asks What’s The T? "What’s the T?” is a support group run by Streetwork Project — Safe Horizon’s homeless youth program — that provides a safe, judgement-free space where transgender and gender non-conforming homeless youth can feel free to be themselves. Read more about "What's The T?" → Our Programs Streetwork Project A program to serve homeless youth and help them find stability. No judgement, just options. Learn more → Hotlines For many survivors of violence, the journey to safety and healing starts with a simple phone call. Learn more → Our Impact 904 homeless youth received services from Streetwork Project in 2019. Additional Resources Support Our Program Learn About Streetwork Become an Advocate Survivor Stories Learn more about getting help for Youth Homelessness → Not what you’re looking for? -- Issues -- Child Abuse Domestic Violence Statistics & Facts Human Trafficking Statistics & Facts Rape and Sexual Assault Statistics & Facts Stalking Statistics & Facts Victims of Other Abuse Statistics & Facts About Safe Horizon's mission is to provide support, prevent violence and promote justice for victims of crime and abuse, their families and communities. Make a Difference Donate Get In Touch Media Job Opportunities Click here or call (llámenos para ayudarle) 1-800-621-HOPE Get Email Updates. SafeHorizon is a 501c(3) organization. Copyright © 2021 SafeHorizon Website by Ironpaper