What is Youth Homelessness
One in 10 young adult ages 18-25, and at least one in 30 adolescents ages 13-17, experience some form of homelessness unaccompanied by a parent or guardian and can be found in these following living conditions in a shelter, abandoned car, temporary location on the street, abandoned building, under the freeway, encampment not fit for human habitation. Is considered homelessness and according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
We Cannot allow Youth Homelessness to Continue.
Causes and Consequences of Youth Homelessness, are Socio-economic issues, family conflict, sexual orientation, school problems, teen pregnancy, substance abuse. Females are more likely than males to run away & be homeless. In East Africa, decades of wars left millions of children orphans and now as youth, teens, young adults are homeless. With out any hope and future to look forward to.
Understating Youth Homelessness.
Youth homelessness impacts Economy, Environment, Health care, Business, Criminal Justice system. For example, run away teens, foster youth & children who are separated from parents due to war or court system. 80% of them will become homeless at some point. Also, elderly & veterans are 65% of the homeless populations.
Lack of Permanent Housing
Southern California in the land of wealthiest and most expensive places to live in the world. In the shadow of this great wealthy city millions of people are homeless and many other thousands live below the poverty level. Only 15% of the homeless population are chronically homeless..
How to Prevent Youth Homelessness
Smile America Abdi Foundation we believe Partnership, advocacy, & early identification, will improve instability of child welfare, higher rate cycle between juvenile & justice system rapid response and safe homes, appropriate mentor-ship can stabilize and give sense of hope in life.