National Youth H.O.P.E. Month Highlights Urgent Need for Housing Security

For many young people, being unhoused means facing a reality marked by constant instability, vulnerability, and limited options. Without a safe place to sleep, they move from couch to couch, sometimes relying on friends or distant relatives, and often face nights spent in shelters, on the street, or in other temporary spaces. This lack of stable housing disrupts every aspect of their lives—from education to health and well-being—creating obstacles that make it challenging to envision or build a future. Young people without housing also lack access to the stability and resources many of their peers take for granted, leaving them at a higher risk for exploitation, violence, and mental health challenges. Living unhoused as a youth isn’t just about the absence of a physical space; it’s the absence of safety, dignity, and a sense of belonging. Homelessness forces young people into survival mode, making it difficult to focus on education or employment when basic needs like food, hygiene, and safety are uncertain. Many experience a profound sense of isolation, feeling unseen by a society that often overlooks their struggles. As a result, youth experiencing homelessness are more likely to face mental health crises, suffer from trauma, and develop a distrust...