Being unhoused is linked to a decline in physical and mental well-being. Youth without stable housing often face health issues like HIV infection, alcohol and drug misuse, and mental illness (The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development). Health problems among people experiencing homelessness result from various factors, such as barriers to care, lack of access to adequate food and protection, and limited resources and social services. Legal and policy approaches are used to address homelessness (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). 

Considerations for Equitable Approaches:  

Demographics of youth experiencing homelessness. Unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness are more likely to be female, multiracial, and transgender or not identifying as male or female than all individuals experiencing homelessness (The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development).  

Who is at risk? Parenting youth; youth who identify as African American, Latino, and/or LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Questioning)+; and youth who have not completed high school have a disproportionately higher risk of homelessness than youth who do not identify with these subpopulations (The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development). 

Inclusive Language Recommendations: Recommendations for more inclusive language include utilizing person-first language such “people experiencing homelessness” or “people experiencing unsheltered homelessness” rather than “homeless people” or “the homeless,” which can dehumanize those who are being referred to (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).