Instability

Homelessness leaves affected youth with no permanent address, making it virtually impossible to attend school, obtain employment, secure food and shelter, and survive.

Physical Health

Due to poor diet, malnutrition and exposure, homeless youth are at greater risk of suffering from chronic health disorders like asthma and diabetes.

“Survival Sex”

Because of their age, many have few legal means by which they can earn enough money to meet basic needs. As a result, many homeless adolescents find that exchanging sex for food, clothing, and shelter is their only chance of survival on the streets. Reportedly, 1 in 4 youth have traded sex for survival means.

AIDS/STDs

In turn, homeless youth are at greater risk of contracting AIDS, HIV-related illnesses, and other STDs. It has been suggested that the rate of HIV prevalence for homeless youth may be as much as 2 to 10 times higher than the rates reported for other samples of adolescents in the United States. [Link to our cause on AIDS and STDs]

Mental Health

Homeless youth are more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder and suicide due to the increased exposure to violence while living on their own. About one in three homeless youth will attempt suicide. In one study, the rates of major depression, conduct disorder, and posttraumatic stress syndrome were found to be 3 times as high among runaway youth as among youth who have not run away.

Violence

Youth are at increased risk of being physically and sexually abused while on the streets. This year, 1 in 260 runaways and homeless youths will die from assault, illness and suicide.

Substance Abuse

Homeless youth are more likely to use and abuse drugs, and to engage in other dangerous and illegal behaviors. According to national surveys, 3 in 4 street youths were using marijuana, 1 in 3 were using hallucinogens and stimulants, and 1 in 4 were using crack, other forms of cocaine, inhalants, and sedatives.

Juvenile Justice System

Homeless youth are more likely to be involved with the juvenile justice system. They are frequently arrested for nuisance crimes like loitering and trespassing.

Education

Homeless youth face difficulties attending school because of legal guardianship requirements, residency requirements, proper records, and lack of transportation. Consequently, homeless youth face severe challenges in obtaining an education. Studies report that as much as 3 in 4 homeless youth have dropped out or will drop out of school.

Lack of Self-Sufficiency Skills

Homeless youth typically lack many skills that are crucial to life in the adult world. For example, most lack the education and job skills needed to secure more than a low-wage, short term jobs. This makes it increasingly difficult for them to become financially self-sufficient.

Learning Disabilities

Many homeless youth have learning problems and low literacy skills. According to one study, the number of homeless youth diagnosed with learning disabilities is double the rate of other children. Another study found a high rate (28%) of attention deficit disorder.

Sources:

National Coalition for the Homeless National Alliance to End Homelessness
The Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
The National Symposium on Homelessness Research