Welcome back to Part 2 of our series on Youth Homelessness. In Part 1, we explored statistics, reasons for homelessness, and the importance of advocacy and awareness as well as the importance for compassion and care when approaching this population. 

This next installment will explore the often-overlooked health risks and concerns faced by youth experiencing homelessness. Understanding these health risks is crucial in advocating for comprehensive support and intervention strategies.

Physical Health Risks

Living on the streets exposes youth without a safe place to live to severe physical health risks:

• Malnutrition and Hunger: Inconsistent access to nutritious food leads to malnutrition and increased susceptibility to illnesses.
• Infectious Diseases: Poor hygiene and crowded living conditions contribute to the spread of diseases like tuberculosis, hepatitis, and HIV/AIDS.
• Chronic Conditions: Lack of regular healthcare exacerbates chronic illnesses such as diabetes and asthma, often left untreated.

Mental Health Challenges 

Youth without a place to call home face significant mental health challenges:

• Higher Rates of Mental Illness: Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other disorders are prevalent due to the stress and trauma of homelessness.
• Trauma: Many have endured abuse and traumatic experiences, contributing to long-term mental health issues.
• Suicidal Ideation: The stress of homelessness increases the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Substance Abuse

Homelessness increases vulnerability to substance abuse:

• Coping Mechanism: Youth may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with their situation.
• Higher Likelihood of Addiction: Substance abuse complicates health and stability efforts.

Barriers to Accessing Healthcare

Youth experiencing homelessness face barriers in accessing healthcare:

• Lack of Resources: Limited access to insurance, identification, and transportation hinders medical care.
• Stigma: Fear of judgment or mistreatment by healthcare providers discourages seeking help. Lack of self-confidence.

Efforts to address these health risks require comprehensive and compassionate strategies:

• Comprehensive Support: Providing integrated healthcare, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment.
• Advocacy and Awareness: Raising awareness and advocating for policies that support homeless youth's health needs.

Health risks among youth without a safe place to call home are urgent challenges that demand attention and action. Compassionate support when dealing with this population is incredibly important and vital on the road to guiding one into a more structured living situation in which they can begin to fulfill their fullest potential. By understanding these risks and advocating for solutions, we can ensure that every young person, regardless of housing status, has the opportunity for a healthy and fulfilling life. 

To learn more about support services for homeless youth, visit https://www.centerffs.org/our-services/trauma-victim-response/street-outreach-services or contact their 24/7 helpline at 800.355.0660.

In the concluding part of this series, we will focus intensely on the effects of mental health on youth experiencing homelessness. We will delve into how facing homelessness during youth can have lasting impacts into adulthood. We'll discuss strategies for overcoming trauma, processing emotions, and recognizing that temporary situations do not have to define one's future.