National Homeless Youth Awareness Month was established in 2007 to increase understanding around the growing youth homelessness crisis seen nationwide. At HYC, we work year-round to implement early intervention for youth experiencing homelessness and end chronic homelessness. At HYC, nearly 30% of youth are unaccompanied. This means they are on their own, homeless without a guardian or parent to help care for them.

What causes homelessness among unaccompanied youth? Why would a teenager experience homelessness when their family is stably housed? Commonly, the youth is kicked out.

• The youth is kicked out for coming out as LGBTQ.
• The youth is kicked out once they turn 18. Some parents believe their parental obligation is finished once their child becomes a legal adult at 18. Even if the student is still in high school, the parent views the child as no longer their responsibility.
• The youth is kicked out if a divorced parent finds a new spouse who does not like the youth.
• The youth is forced to leave after abuse, neglect, or other unsafe circumstances in the home.
• The youth is in foster care, but once they turn 18, they are no longer supported by the program.

Unaccompanied youth will do whatever they must in order to find a roof over their head. Couch surfing (learn more about that here [link to other blog post]) is the most common form of homelessness among unaccompanied teens. HYC provides a Host Family Housing Program, which offers safe and stable housing for unaccompanied youth. Generous community members warmly open their hearts and homes to house a student for the academic year. Unaccompanied youth in the Host Family Housing Program develop healthy and positive relationships with their host family, and more than 90% graduate high school and exit to safe and stable housing after finishing the program. Interested in getting involved and becoming part of the solution? Email HYC at info@hycaz.org or call 623-374-3747 to learn more.