By Terrell Berry, CFTH Intern

November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month.

When you think of a person experiencing homeless, it’s difficult to imagine a young person, under 25, fending for themselves on the streets. On a single night in 2018, 48 youth (18-24) were counted in Clark County and 36,261 unaccompanied youth were counted as homeless nationwide. The number is shocking – and increasing – according to The National Alliance of Ending Homelessness. 

So…why are youth experiencing homelessness?

Many youth experiencing homelessness are victims of trauma. Youth homelessness is often rooted in family conflict. Other contributing factors include economic circumstances like poverty and housing insecurity, racial disparities, and mental health and substance use disorders. Young people who have had involvement with the child welfare and juvenile justice systems are also more likely to become homeless.

Many homeless youth and young adults have experienced significant trauma before and after becoming homeless and are particularly vulnerable, including victims of sexual trafficking and exploitation.

Youth who identify as LGBTQ +; pregnant and parenting youth; youth with special needs or disabilities, and youth of color, particularly African-American and Native American youth, are also more likely to become homeless.

Not surprisingly, youth experiencing homelessness can have significant mental health symptoms such as depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal thoughts, and substance abuse problems.

Regardless of their challenges, youth experiencing homelessness are resilient, creative, strong and fiercely loyal to their family of choice. When asked what they need from community members, kindness is the number one response, because no one knows how tough their day may have been.