Youth homelessness is a growing epidemic in the United States. Researchers estimate that 1 to 1.5 million adolescents each year experience an episode of homelessness, most commonly between the ages of 15 and 17. While youth homelessness occurs throughout the country, it is most visible in major metropolitan areas. In 2005, there were reportedly 3,275 homeless youth in Philadelphia.

The most commonly reported cause of youth homelessness in the United States is a disruptive family environment. When adolescents live in a hostile household and are subject to physical, mental or sexual abuse, parental neglect, or strained relationships with family members, they often choose to leave their home. With few prospects, these teens are forced to live on the streets and engage in high-risk behaviors to meet their basic needs for survival. Another common cause of youth homelessness is major financial crises resulting in home foreclosures. In these cases, children and adolescents are often separated from their families by shelter, transitional housing, or child welfare policies.

Studies show a significant correlation between homelessness and foster care. When children become too old for foster care, they are typically discharged from residential programs with no housing or source of income. Because homeless youth do not have the legal means to earn money, they often resort to exchanging sex for food, clothing, and shelter. Consequently, homeless youth have a much greater risk of contracting HIV or AIDS. They are also more prone to violence, poor nutrition, chemical or alcohol dependency, and behavioral health issues such as severe anxiety and depression.

There are currently hundreds of foster children in Philadelphia public schools. According to recent studies, 75% of children who are in foster care at age 13 drop out of school by the time they are 18, and about 50% of children raised in foster homes are jobless two years after leaving school. Philadelphia youth transitioning out of foster care face a multitude of challenges. They struggle to stay in school due to problems with legal guardianship and residency requirements, incomplete records, and lack of transportation. They are also at significantly higher risk for mental or physical illnesses, incarceration, unemployment, teen pregnancy, and dependence on public assistance.

The greater Philadelphia community must unite to end youth homelessness in Philadelphia. We must teach these teens the life skills they need to become self-sufficient, financially independent individuals. Please refer to the next article entitled “How You Can Help” for information on how you can get involved.