Homeless Youth Research Articles

Prevalence and correlates of methamphetamine use in transitional age youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability in San Francisco, CA.

Substance use, including methamphetamine use, is a contributing factor in HIV acquisition and treatment. Stimulant use is linked to mental health yet there is limited data from youth in community-based settings. One hundred marginally housed or homeless transitional age youth (TAY) were recruited at Larkin Street Youth Services and completed a survey on mental health and substance use. We conducted secondary data analysis using multivariable logistic regression models to identify the correlates of methamphetamine use among TAY. The participants' mean age was 22. Of those who reported methamphetamine use in the past 3 months, 64% were Gay, Bisexual, or Pansexual. Factors independently associated with methamphetamine use were; living with HIV (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=3.18, 95% CI=1.11-9.15), depressive symptoms (aOR=6.02, 95% CI=1.46-24.78), symptoms of PTSD (aOR=13.38, 95% CI=1.59-112.73), polysubstance use in the past 3 months (aOR=50.02, 95% CI=9.72-257.46) and a history of injection drug use (aOR=8.38, 95% CI=1.87-37.53). Results from this study suggest a need to develop, adapt, and rapidly implement comprehensive interventions that address the combined epidemics of substance use, HIV, and mental health among TAY. This article examines factors associated with methamphetamine use among transitional age youth (TAY) experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Several factors were associated with use, including depression, PTSD, HIV status, polysubstance use, and injection drug use. These findings highlight the need for nurses to assess for methamphetamine use among youth as well as associated mental health and physical health problems. Nurses should link TAY who are using methamphetamine to evidence-based treatment programs to address substance use and comorbid conditions.

Queer/y/ing pathways through youth homelessness: becoming, being and leaving LGBTQI+ youth homelessness

This article extends Clapham’s (2002) concept of ‘housing pathways’ to explore the nature of specific youth homelessness associated with diverse LGBTQI+ identities. Drawing on in-depth interviews with homeless LGBTQI+ youth in Ireland we offer a queer consideration of the structural challenges and agentic potentialities of young people’s housing pathways. Building on these young people’s experiences of becoming, being and leaving homelessness our queering process focuses on three phenomena: queer temporalities, queer liminalities and queer kinships. We argue that due to their evolving sexualities and gender identities ‘housing and home’ have distinctive meanings for LGBTQI+ youth. These meanings prioritise safe, non-homophobic/transphobic spaces, in which they can be themselves without the pressure to conceal their evolving identities or conform to heteronormative expectations. We suggest these meanings inform pathways into, through and out of homelessness and may contribute to higher rates of homelessness among LGBTQI+ youth. Finally, we argue these queerly informed understandings increase knowledge of how proactive interventions might best be framed.

Identification of Housing Stabilization Models for Youth Exiting Homelessness: A grey literature review

This systematic review describes the international grey literature addressing housing stabilization support models for youth. The review yielded 15 reports with a range of information on preventative activities that focus on well-being embedded within the various form of housing stabilization. These approaches build on the premise that housing alone does not provide an effective solution to youth homelessness. Analyses of the content of these reports revealed both cross-cutting, process-oriented themes, alongside descriptions of the outcomes associated with specific intervention models. These findings emphasized the importance of intersectoral collaboration, early intervention coupled with intensive case management, and applying an attachment-oriented theoretical framework in guiding model implementation. Other highlighted results include specific models of housing stabilization with a particular concentration on housing intervention programs that address the interdependency between housing, income, and education. These stabilization supports, practices, and policies offered by organizations were associated with improved outcomes. This review, however, was limited by a lack of controlled studies amongst the reports and, in many instances, a lack of clarity regarding the service models delivered. Despite these limitations, this review provides an overall view of the grey literature evidence regarding the strategies to support young people in transition out of homelessness that complements and expands upon the academic literature in this area. Further research is needed with clearer and more rigorous methods, more detailed intervention descriptions, as well as data on applicability for visible minorities and specific employment interventions tied with housing supports.

A changing landscape? Dynamics of accommodation and displacement in UK parliamentary discourse on LGBT homelessness

Through an examination of its discursive presence in the UK Parliament (Westminster), this article explores political elites’ problematisations of LGBT homelessness. In particular, I consider whether the dynamics of inclusion and exclusion that have been critically identified in relation to the mainstreaming of ‘gay rights’ in other sites are evident in the emerging discourse on LGBT homelessness in Westminster. I find that the cross-party emphasis on data collection as a predicate for action on LGBT homelessness enables the Conservatives to signal sexual progress without risking the Party’s traditional supporters. Moreover, the almost exclusive focus on LGBT homeless youth in the parliamentary discourse, which is echoed to a lesser degree in existing research, stabilises divisions of ‘deserving/undeserving’ poor and entrenches the relationship between housing security, normative forms of intimacy and anti-migrant nationalist sentiments. To escape the terms of its current emergence, I argue, a coalitional and grass-roots-led definition of the problem of LGBT homelessness is needed.

Exploring Mental Health and Holistic Healing through the Life Stories of Indigenous Youth Who Have Experienced Homelessness.

Indigenous youth are the fastest growing population in Canada, yet are marked by profound and disproportionate personal, societal, political, and colonial barriers that predispose them to mental health challenges, employment and educational barriers, and experiences of housing insecurity and homelessness. It is only from the perspectives and experiences of Indigenous community members themselves that we can gain appropriate insights into effective supports, meaningful interventions, and accessible pathways to security. This paper will explore the mental health of Indigenous youth who are at risk of, or who have experienced, homelessness, as well as the lifelong perspectives, teachings, and guidance from Indigenous Elders and traditional knowledge keepers; their perspectives are weaved throughout, in order to provide a more effective means to addressing holistic healing and the mental health needs of Indigenous homeless youth. As educators, researchers and clinicians who have sought to understand this issue in more depth, our analysis aims to raise awareness about the complexities of Indigenous youth homelessness and push back against systemic barriers that contribute to homelessness, fail young people, and subject them to oppression. We also offer recommendations from a clinical perspective in order for clinicians, researchers and those working within communities to serve our Indigenous youth with a diverse set of methods that are tailored and ethical in their approach.

“I just needed someone to believe in me.” A qualitative analysis of youths’ experiencing homelessness perspectives of a housing first intervention

Housing first interventions are commonly considered best practice when addressing homelessness among adults. However, to date to there is limited research exploring housing first interventions with youth experiencing homelessness. Homeless youth are a distinctly different population than homeless adults, thus housing first interventions will need to consider the unique needs of homeless youth. To better understand how homeless youth may respond to a housing first intervention, the current study utilized qualitative interviews with 17 youth who had recently participated in a 6-month housing first intervention. Overall, youth reported generally positive experiences and believed the intervention had led to improvements in their lives. Similar to research with homeless adults, it appears that by being provided housing youth were able to move out of survival mode, which led to their feelings of self-improvement.

Shelter Bans Among People Experiencing Homelessness: an Exploratory Study of Predictors in Two Large Canadian Datasets.

Emergency shelters are a core component of homeless service systems that address immediate basic needs. Service bans, which refer to temporary or permanent disallowances from a program or organization, are an underresearched phenomenon that can leave people experiencing homelessness without needed supports. This exploratory study examined the factors associated with shelter bans among people experiencing homelessness using secondary data from two Canadian studies: (1) a multisite randomized controlled trial of Housing First (At Home/Chez Soi Demonstration Project) and (2) a cross-sectional survey of youth experiencing homelessness across Canada (2019 Without a Home-National Youth Homelessness Survey). The two datasets were analyzed separately using logistic regression models with similar predictors to maximize the comparability of the results. Participants who experienced homelessness at an earlier age and had recent criminal justice system involvement were more likely to have shelter bans in both datasets. Impaired impulse control, more chronic medical conditions and living in Toronto were associated with increased likelihood of shelter bans in the At Home/Chez Soi dataset, whereas more adverse childhood experiences, physical violence victimization, engagement in survival sex behaviours and longer current episodes of homelessness were significant predictors of bans in the Without A Home dataset. Overall, the findings suggest that victimization and criminalization during homelessness may increase the risk of shelter loss from bans and further exclusion. The observed regional differences also highlight the potential limits of individual-level predictors. Further research is needed on shelter ban outcomes, as well as how capacity limits and organizational policies affect banning decisions.

Improving access to housing and supportive services for runaway and homeless youth: Reducing vulnerability to human trafficking in New York City

Recent estimates indicate that there are over a million runaway and homeless youth and young adults (RHY) in the United States (US). Exposure to trauma, violence, and substance abuse, coupled with a lack of community support services, puts homeless youth at high risk of being exploited and trafficked. Although access to safe housing and supportive services such as physical and mental healthcare is an effective response to the vulnerability of RHY towards being trafficked, the number of youth experiencing homelessness exceeds the capacity of available housing resources in most US communities. We undertake a RHY-informed, systematic, and data-driven approach to project the collective capacity required by service providers to adequately meet the needs of RHY in New York City, including those most at risk of being trafficked. Our approach involves an integer linear programming model that extends the multiple multidimensional knapsack problem and is informed by partnerships with key stakeholders. The mathematical model allows for time-dependent allocation and capacity expansion, while incorporating stochastic youth arrivals and length of stays, services provided in a periodic fashion, and service delivery time windows. Our RHY and service provider-centered approach is an important step toward meeting the actual, rather than presumed, survival needs of vulnerable youth.

"I feel like I'm in a revolving door, and COVID has made it spin a lot faster": The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth experiencing homelessness in Toronto, Canada.

Research has shown that youth experiencing homelessness (YEH) face barriers to social inclusion and are at risk for poor mental health. With the COVID-19 pandemic threatening the health, wellbeing, and economic circumstances of people around the world, this study aims to assess the impacts of the pandemic on YEH in Toronto, Ontario, as well as to identify recommendations for future waves of COVID-19. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with YEH (ages 16-24, n = 45) and staff who work in one of four downtown emergency shelters for youth (n = 31) in Toronto, Ontario. YEH experienced both structural changes and psychosocial impacts resulting from the pandemic. Structural changes included a reduction in services, barriers to employment and housing, and changes to routines. Psychosocial outcomes included isolation, worsened mental health, and increased substance use. Impacts were magnified and distinct for subpopulations of youth, including for youth that identified as Black, 2SLGBTQ+, or those new to Canada. The COVID-19 pandemic increased distress among YEH while also limiting access to services. There is therefore a need to balance health and safety with continued access to in-person services, and to shift the response to youth homelessness to focus on prevention, housing, and equitable supports for subpopulations of youth.

Understanding the Health and Health-Related Social Needs of Youth Experiencing Homelessness: A Photovoice Study.

Purpose: Homelessness is a major public health problem facing millions of youths across the United States (U.S.), with lesbian gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning (LGBTQ+) youths and youths of color being disproportionately at higher risk. This study obtains an understanding of the health and health-related social needs of youths experiencing homelessness during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: A total of 14 youths between the ages of 14 and 24 who (a) lived, worked, or attended school in New Britain, Connecticut (CT) and (b) had at least one experience of homelessness or housing insecurity worked with the research team to conduct a needs assessment regarding youth homelessness. Using photovoice, a community-based participatory research method, participants created photo narratives to share their stories and recommendations for community change. The main goals of photovoice are to enable participants to (1) record and represent their everyday realities; (2) promote critical dialogue and knowledge about person and community strengths and concerns; and (3) reach policy makers. Results: Most of the participants identified as youths of color, and half of the participants identified as members of the LGBTQ+ community. Three major themes that appeared in the youths’ narratives include the following: mental health and substance use challenges, trouble accessing basic human needs, and lack of a social support system. Conclusion: This study uplifts and empowers a vulnerable population to increase visibility around a major public health challenge from their own lived experiences. Despite the challenges that were voiced, many participants shared a sense of hope and resiliency. The major themes endorsed by the youths has the potential of informing practitioners and policy makers of how to better address the needs of youths experiencing homelessness, particularly those most at risk.

Is queer-and-trans youth homelessness a form of displacement? A queer epistemological review of refugee studies’ theoretical borders

ABSTRACT The phenomenon of queer-and-trans internal migration from homophobic to “safe” areas in the United States remains under-studied in the literature of refugee and forced migration studies. Rejected from their communities and facing discrimination, queer-and-trans youth leave home and may not find another – can their experience of homelessness be considered forced migration? In this paper, I employ critical and normative theory to explore the logics that produce cisheteronormative assumptions in refugee studies. I posit that there is an epistemological cisheteronormativity informing the theory of knowledge of the discipline and causing the internal migration of queer-and-trans people in the United States to be overlooked. I use the case study of queer-and-trans youth experiencing homelessness to reveal how epistemological cisheteronormativity prevents us from asking crucial questions about queer-and-trans migrants that would not only render their displacement legible, but also challenge the prevailing, depoliticizing assumptions associated with the liberal queer-and-trans subject.

Creating stories for impact: Co‐producing knowledge with young people through story mapping

AbstractThis paper explores co‐production of knowledge for impact with young people through the process of creating digital story maps, drawing on co‐produced research from two projects: with homeless youth in African cities; and with youth refugees in Uganda and Jordan. It examines the process of creating three story maps with the intention of enabling young people to co‐produce knowledge exchange and research impact. Participants were able to engage in the latter stages of research as part of research analysis, outcomes and outputs beyond the temporal and spatial confines of data collection. The story maps were therefore used not only to ‘bring life’ to reports produced for stakeholders and funders, but also to take young people's research stories beyond locally bound contexts to reach a variety of global audiences. The reflections in this paper also highlight that while the approach adopted was not without challenges, in all three story maps a knowledge exchange process was fostered that resulted in young people feeling they had been listened to; were able to contribute to debates that affect their own lives and to instil a desire to create change, influence policy and inform publics about their lives. The paper concludes that story mapping is a useful creative process for extending young people's input into knowledge exchange and longer‐term research impacts.

Implementing Indigenous Youth Peer Mentorship: Insights from the By Youth For Youth Project

Indigenous youth are disproportionately represented among youth experiencing homelessness in Canada and are at an increased risk for mental health and substance use problems compared to non-Indigenous youth experiencing homelessness. Research is needed that considers how best to support Indigenous youth in acquiring and maintaining stable housing. Indigenous youth peer mentorship is one possible mechanism that warrants consideration, as Indigenous youth who have previously been homeless can share experience with the barriers that other youth encounter as well as skills that may be well-suited to facilitate hope and understanding to other homeless youth. In the present study, we examined the process by which Indigenous peer mentors engage in a peer-driven project designed to support other Indigenous youth experiencing homelessness in Northwestern Ontario. This process was documented through qualitative interviews with three peer mentors and three staff, as well as ethnographic fieldnotes. Thematic analyses revealed that peer mentorship positions appear to be useful for the Indigenous youth who engage in them, as these positions provide them with a paid avenue to engage in advocacy and support others with similar experiences as them, while simultaneously increasing their cultural connectedness, confidence, self-esteem, self-awareness, and ability to advocate for their own needs. The present study also yielded important considerations for organizations implementing Indigenous youth peer mentorship positions, including offering training and providing opportunities for cultural engagement, avoiding tokenism, being cognizant of possible dual-relationships, and supporting peer mentors who may be grappling with personal difficulties outside of their roles.

Watch Me Rise: An evaluation of Wraparound with homeless youth with a child welfare history

Older youth involved with child welfare experience disproportionate rates of homelessness after leaving custody compared to youth with no child welfare history. More intervention programs for this population are needed. Watch Me Rise (WMR) was developed as part of an initiative to build evidence for interventions that prevent homelessness among youth and young adults who have a child welfare history. WMR is based on High Fidelity Wraparound (Wraparound) and was implemented in a shelter that serves homeless youth (ages 18–24) in order to prevent them from experiencing recurring homelessness. The present study was part of a formative evaluation of youth outcomes in WMR and looks at preliminary findings within the first six months of enrollment in the program. A total of 87 youth enrolled in WMR during the evaluation period and results indicate youth housing stability improved within the first six months of youth enrolling in WMR. Youth also demonstrated improvements in life domain functioning and employment/employment readiness. Although several other outcomes were not achieved or the results were inconclusive, the study highlights important insights for working with and studying this important population. Implications for the implementation of WMR or Wraparound with homeless youth who have a child welfare history are discussed.

Association between suicide attempt and previous healthcare utilization among homeless youth.

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between prior emergency department (ED) visit or hospitalization and subsequent suicide attempt among homeless youth aged 10-17 years old. With New York statewide databases, a case-control design was conducted. Cases and controls were homeless patients with an ED visit or hospitalization due to suicide attempt (cases) or appendicitis (controls) between April and December. We examined ED and inpatient records for 90 days prior to the visit for suicide attempt or appendicitis. The primary exposure variable was prior healthcare utilization for any reason other than the following four reasons: mental health disorder, substance use, self-harm, and other injuries. Multivariable logistic regression models, with year fixed effect and hospital random effect, were used. A total of 335 cases and 742 controls were identified. Cases had lower odds of prior healthcare utilization for any reason other than the four reasons listed above. (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR]: 0.53, p-value=0.03). The association between prior healthcare utilization and decreased risk of suicide attempt among homeless youth may be due to comprehensive care provided during healthcare utilization. It may also reflect the presence of a social network that provided a protective effect.

Nowhere to go: Housing pathways of college students with foster care and homelessness experience

AbstractThis study builds on previous research to understand longer term housing experiences in late adolescence and early adulthood for vulnerable college students. Using a biographical, qualitative method, we study high school and college housing and family circumstances for 27 students with homelessness or foster care experience enrolled in 4‐year colleges in Georgia. We identified three different housing pathway types in high school—family homelessness, unaccompanied youth and foster care. Housing instability and frequent moves were common in high school among all housing pathway types. In college, students who were able to find low or no‐cost housing and those who identified a foster care pathway in high school achieved greater housing stability. Others students experienced a continuation of housing instability that began in high school. Additional funding to cover the cost of on‐campus housing would likely contribute to increased stability. Additional strategies, such as rental assistance programmes tailored for college students, may be needed to address housing instability for vulnerable college students. More research on the unmet housing needs and the consequences of housing instability during college for homeless and foster youth is needed to further a housing policy agenda that focuses on practical solutions.

Substance abuse and violence among homeless youth in Fayoum governorate

Background: Homelessness is a global phenomenon with considerable variations. Substance Abuse and Violence are significant problems among homeless youth, compared to the general population. Aim: This study aims to assess Substance Abuse and Violence among Homeless Youth in Fayoum Governorate. Study Design: : A descriptive research design was used for conducted this study. Setting: The study was conducted in Fayoum Governorate especiallly the greatest streets with the aid of Atfal Bala Maawa mobile units.Sample: Convenience sample was used in this study to collect data for about 3 months..Tools: Tool I:- Demographic characteristics of homeless youth, homeless youth knowledge regarding violence, homeless youth knowledge regarding substance abuse. Tool II:- Youth Risk Behavior SurveyResults: The presenting study showed that, 55.0% of homeless youth poor knowledge regarding violence, 30% of them had average knowledge, 15% of them had good knowledge regarding violence, 45.0% of the homeless youth poor knowledge regarding substance abuse, 35% of them average knowledge and 20% of them had good knowledge regarding substance abuse, 92.8% of them carring weapon, 71.5% of them hadn't physically forced to sexual assualt, 78.5% of them trying cigarette smoking. 14.2% of them trying drinking alcohol, 35.7% of them trying using marijuana during homeless youth life.

Post-housing first outcomes amongst a cohort of formerly homeless youth in Aotearoa New Zealand

ABSTRACT This paper explores the government service interactions for a cohort of formerly homeless youth in Aotearoa New Zealand, using linked administrative data. We report the rates of service interactions pre- and post-housing for a cohort of 69 youth, aged 18–25 years old, who received housing and support from a Housing First provider. 60.9% were women, and 69.6% were Māori. Very high rates of service interactions were seen both before and after they were housed. The evidence shows promising potential improvements in young people’s lives when housed. The most significant changes we saw in the one and two years post-housing were in incomes from both wages/salaries and social welfare benefits; there was a significant increase in total income for our cohort. There was also a promising reduction in hospitalisations and emergency deparment admissions. Overall, Housing First shows promising outcomes for youth.

The Costs of Caring: Navigating Material Challenges When Adults Informally Host Youth Facing Homelessness

Couch hopping is a significant feature of youth homelessness in the United States. Every year, half of youth ages 18 to 25 who experience housing instability report couch hopping—also known as couch surfing or doubling up. Emerging work suggests that in some intergenerational informal hosting arrangements, youth and their adult hosts can form meaningful and supportive relationships. However, hosts also navigate material challenges that could threaten the stability of these arrangements. Based on in-depth interviews with nine youth ages 17 to 23 in informal hosting arrangements and 10 informal hosts, we describe how increased household costs and lease and benefits restrictions can impact stability, and the strategies hosts and youth mobilized to address them. We place hosts’ instability in the context of intergenerational poverty and structural racism, reframing material challenges as opportunities to strengthen the village of support youth need to make sustained exits from homelessness.

Perspectives of Refugee Youth Experiencing Homelessness: A Qualitative Study of Factors Impacting Mental Health and Resilience.

Homeless refugee youth experience high rates of traumatic and adverse experiences, a significant burden of mental health needs, and compounded barriers in accessing support services. Despite this, there is a paucity of literature exploring the unique intersections and vulnerabilities faced by this subgroup. This study of Youth Without Shelter (YWS), an emergency residence and referral agency serving homeless youth in Toronto, Canada was a qualitative study of homeless refugee youth. Research goals were to describe the mental health needs and identify the factors contributing to the resiliency of refugee youth experiencing homelessness. Data was collected through individual semi-structured interviews with YWS youth (n = 6) and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis with a realist lens. Results highlighted that the mental health of refugee youth experiencing homelessness was subject to system-level factors such as the immigration process (n = 6), housing insecurity (n = 5), finances (n = 5), education (n = 6), employment (n = 6) and sense of safety (n = 4), with acculturative stress, including culture shock (n = 3) and language (n = 4), also have negative effects. Goal directedness (n = 5), independence or responsibility (n = 4), and nurturing social connectedness with family (n = 5), peers (n = 6), and community (n = 4) contributed to participants' resilience. A model for planning future interventions was proposed and was informed by the lived experience of participants. This model focuses on initially on immediate and basic needs and reflected evidence gathered through this work to attend to long-term needs once individuals have integrated into society. Future efforts will be directed toward translating the lived experience of this population and developing practice guidelines to optimize care.