When seeing homeless youth on the streets in a city or somewhere in your community, how often do you take into consideration the factors that led to their circumstances? 

Some stressful factors that have been known to lead to youth homelessness include abuse from parents or stepparents, chemical substance abuse, and rejection from family. In some instances, such rejection stems from the youth revealing their status as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. When these youths don't feel safe or are unable to get the support they need from their families they've been known to experience an extreme sense of hopelessness and isolation.

According to an article in the Journal of Child and Family Studies, a series of youth interviews revealed that "nearly all of the youth reported at least one type of familial rejection that was intertwined with wider household conflict, and several youth experienced multiple types of rejection."

When faced with such circumstances these youths may feel that their only option is to leave. Once they are outside their homes and away from the only familial support they've ever known, they may not know where to turn to for help. Additionally, they may not have the means to access help. Oftentimes suicidal ideations become a new reality for many homeless youth who are members of the LGBTQ+ community.  

According to a 2017 report by Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago, LGBTQ+ youth are at a 120% higher risk for homelessness as compared to youth who are heterosexual and cisgender.

This suggests that a lack of acceptance from their family can be a primary cause of feelings of worthlessness and isolation. So, not only have these youth significantly decreased their chances to get the life skills they need from their families to navigate the world as adults, but they've also become saddled with the additional stress of trying to figure out how to provide for themselves. Accessing such basic needs as shelter, food, health care, and even hygiene products are suddenly new problems for them to try to solve on their own.

Although Homeless Shelters for youth do exist, there aren't always enough in some areas to accommodate those who need it. It's also important to consider that homeless shelters that accommodate adult homeless individuals may not necessarily be a place where homeless youths will feel comfortable or safe. Especially considering that they have just fled from abusive or rejecting adult family members they had once trusted.  

“Unfortunately, as of 2021 there are only 11,241 community housing and homeless shelters throughout the country, and not all offer the support that homeless individuals need,” including support services for homeless youth. 

Knowing that there are options available is the first step towards realizing that they deserve better.

Wondering what you can do to help homeless youth? 

Here are a few options:

• The FAFSA: Four Things You Can Do to Help Homeless and Foster Youth

• Training and Conference Opportunities

For other resource options for homeless youth click the links below:

• Transitional Living Program for Homeless Youth

• Family and Youth Services Bureau: Runaway and Homeless Youth

If you know of someone who is a member of the LGBTQ+ youth community who is struggling with thoughts of suicide once avenue for support is through the Trevor Project. This organization provides 24/7 access to counselors who can help.

For more information on the Trevor Project click here.

Posted by Jennifer Williams