Youth Homelessness: Causes, Consequences, and Interventions

Homelessness among young adults and adolescents has been increasing at an alarming rate and is becoming a significant social concern (Toro, Dworsky, & Fowler, 2007). In fact, as Karabanow (2008) states, approximately 25% of the entire homeless population comprises homeless youth. For the purposes of this research, homeless youth are defined as persons under the age of 24 who do not have a permanent place of residence or are not in a position to secure a safe living environment with a guardian or relative. The period of homelessness varies and is not specific to a particular duration.

The scale of youth homelessness is considerable. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness (2015), approximately 50,000 individuals sleep in the streets for a period of six months or more. More broadly, a total of 550,000 young adults under the age of 24 experience homelessness for over a week-long period, and 380,000 of these are under the age of 18. This annotated bibliography examines the major contributors to youth homelessness, their consequences, and identifies intervention and prevention programs that have been put in place to address this social concern.

Understanding why young people become homeless is central to developing effective interventions. Research demonstrates that youth homelessness results from a complex interplay of individual, family, and systemic factors. Homelessness among youth often begins with family instability, abuse, or conflict that prompts young people to leave home. Economic hardship, lack of affordable housing, mental health challenges, and substance abuse also contribute significantly to youth homelessness.

The consequences of youth homelessness extend across multiple domains. Homeless youth face increased vulnerability to physical and mental health problems, exploitation, and involvement in the criminal justice system. The relationship between homelessness and health is bidirectional: poverty and housing instability create barriers to healthcare access, while untreated health conditions increase the likelihood of homelessness. Additionally, homelessness affects educational attainment, employment prospects, and social integration, creating long-term disadvantage that may extend into adulthood.

Government agencies and nonprofit organizations have developed multiple intervention and prevention strategies to address youth homelessness. Prevention programs focus on keeping young people in stable housing and reducing the risk factors that lead to homelessness. These include emergency financial assistance, family counseling, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. Intervention programs target youth already experiencing homelessness and aim to facilitate rapid re-housing, provide case management, and support the transition to self-sufficiency.

The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) coordinates federal responses to homelessness by promoting partnerships between government agencies and the private sector. State and local departments of human services, such as the Illinois Department of Human Services, provide direct assistance and community education. Nonprofit organizations such as the National Alliance to End Homelessness and the National Coalition for the Homeless conduct research, advocate for policy change, and support grassroots prevention efforts.

Eberle, M., Kraus, D., Serge, L., & Hulchanski, D. (2001). Homelessness: Causes & Effects. The Relationship between Homelessness and the Health, Social Services and Criminal Justice Systems. Vol. (1) 1-45.

This team of researchers and consultants reviewed literature from the U.S. and Canada and presented findings on the relationship between homelessness and health, as well as the relationship between homelessness and criminal justice systems and social services. The article provides insight into how social services and criminal justice systems contribute to youth homelessness and how homelessness affects the health of these young people.

Karabanow, J. (2008). Being Young and Homeless: Understanding how Youth Enter and Exit Street Life. New York, NY: Peter Lang Publishing, Inc.

Karabanow interacts with a number of homeless youth in different landscapes to understand their experiences. He also investigated the inner workings of street youth organizations. This book is valuable in explaining why some youth run away from their homes and what help they require to face adversities.

Kryder-Coe, J. E., Salamon, L. M., & Molnar, J. M. (1991). Homeless Children and Youth: A New American Dilemma. New Jersey: Transaction Publishers.

This book was one of the first to address youth homelessness as a social concern. It is based on literature presented at the first national conference to address homeless children as a national tragedy, held in 1989 in Washington, DC. The work helps identify how young people become homeless and highlights reforms necessary in prevention and intervention programs.

MacNamara, R. H. (2008). Homelessness in America Vol. 1, 2 & 3. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers.

MacNamara has maintained a long-standing intellectual interest in homelessness, informed by personal experience. He draws from numerous experts who contribute articles based on their knowledge and experience. The work is useful in explaining the real nature of youth homelessness, the experiences of homeless individuals, and the suitability of available solutions.

Sanabria, J. (2008). Goal Development and Attainment in Homeless Youth: A Grounded Theory. Ann Arbor, MI: ProQuest LLC.

Sanabria conducted a study using a competence-focused approach to investigate the specific processes involved in goal development and achievement among homeless youth. This book is helpful in presenting an educated perspective on homeless youth and in explaining the consequences that arise from homelessness.

The National Alliance to End Homelessness. (2015). Youth. NAEH Publications.