By Julia Smith, General Member
Youth homelessness is a serious issue that Canada is currently facing, as many young people between the ages of 13 and 24 are living independently without a stable and or safe consistent residence. According to A Way Home, 20% of homeless people in Canada fall within this age group, with 6,000 young people experiencing homelessness every night and 35,000 experiencing homelessness over the course of a year. Additionally, 29% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ2S, 31% identify as Indigenous and 28% identify as members of racialized communities.
Youth homelessness is a sad reality that our society has failed to address adequately, as many young people who experience homelessness require support to finish school and lack experience living independently at such a young age. Being homeless can be a difficult and stressful experience, and very few young people choose to be homeless. There is no such thing as a “typical” person experiencing homelessness, and the causes of homelessness can affect people living anywhere in Canada, both in urban and rural areas.
Communities across the country have people experiencing homelessness, with many living temporarily with friends, family or staying in emergency shelters. A high percentage of youth experiencing homelessness were also in the care of child protection services, and 77.5% of them reported that their inability to get along with their parents played a significant role in why they left home. Transgender youth also face unique barriers to accessing the shelter system, with 1 in 3 individuals being rejected from shelters for their gender identities and expressions.
There are many reasons why young people become homeless, including catastrophic events, loss of employment, family breakups, family violence, mental or other debilitating illnesses, or a history of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. To end homelessness long-term, an adequate supply of safe, affordable, and appropriate housing is a must. It is also crucial for governments to address the supply of affordable housing and provide access for priority populations such as women fleeing violence, Indigenous Peoples, families, seniors, and youth.
Ultimately, ending Canada’s housing crisis comes down to money, and the government must prioritize this. Additionally, many systems that drive young people into homelessness must also be part of the solution. There are a number of programs available, including school-based interventions, family reconnection, support for LGBTQ2S youth, support for youth transitioning from care, employment, training and education, and youth transitional housing. Ending youth homelessness means focusing on eliminating social factors that keep young people in a state of homelessness. Quality programming and early intervention strategies are needed to ensure that no child or youth becomes entrenched in a lifelong struggle with chronic homelessness.
It is time for our society to come together and address this critical issue that affects so many young people across the country. By providing support and access to safe and affordable housing, we can create a better future for all youth and end youth homelessness for good.