How do young people find themselves homeless?
Young people rarely choose to leave home without having a safe alternative. Still, many are forced out of their homes due to violent, sexual or racial abuse, poverty and family conflict. There are a number of reasons why young people become homeless. Family and relationship breakdowns are the most common factor. Other issues that can create a barrier to someone not being in permanent accommodation include: • Unemployment; • Drug and alcohol problems; • Mental health problems; • Young offenders struggling to get work; • Young people leaving care; • Low self-esteem The Big Issue’s 2004 Audit revealed that 33% of its vendors were homeless before the age of 20. “There are quite a lot of services available to the homeless but many people don’t know how to access them and that’s something we need to address,” says Keith Smith at The Big Issue North. “Being homeless is much more complicated than not having a roof over your head. People who are homeless often have complex and varied needs.” Li
