Fact 1

The National Coalition for the Homeless defines homeless youth as individuals under the age of eighteen who lack parental, foster, or institutional care.

Fact 2

Every day, between 1.6 million and 2.8 million runaway and homeless youth live on the streets of America.

Fact 3

The majority of homeless and runaway youth are between the ages of 15 and 17, however 3 out of 100 runaways are under the age of 10, and 11 out of 100 are between the ages of 11 and 13.

Fact 4

1 out of 7 children will run away before 18. In fact, 1 in 3 runaways has runaway before.

Fact 5

Approximately 1 in 2 runaways was physically abused before fleeing home.

Fact 6

Up to 1 in 3 runaways has been forced to perform a sexual act against his/her will.

Fact 7

1 in 2 runaways left home because of a disagreement with a parent or guardian.

Fact 8

1 in 3 runaways will attempt suicide.

Fact 9

Homeless youth are up to 10 times more likely to have or contract HIV than non-homeless adolescents.

Fact 10

1 in 10 homeless and runaway females is reportedly pregnant.

Fact 11

This year, 1 in 260 runaways and homeless youths will die from assault, illness and suicide.

Sources:

• National Coalition for the Homeless
• National Runaway Switchboard