January 1, 2009

Housing for Homeless Youth

This brief, written by LaKesha Pope, discusses the issue of housing for homeless youth: when runaways and homeless youth cannot be reunited with their families, the creation of housing models that also address the service needs of youth is one solution to ending youth homelessness. The goal of this brief is to outline a spectrum of youth housing models that connect affordable housing, self-sufficiency services, and positive youth development approaches. This brief examines youth housing combined with positive youth development services and highlights four housing models and programs that demonstrate promise in housing for older adolescents and young adults. It is not intended to review the entire spectrum of housing models for youth. This brief draws on existing research on youth housing models, youth development, and interviews with program staff to identify some of the key issues surrounding the design of youth housing combined with services to prevent and end homelessness for youth. Additionally, specific community-based youth housing programs are highlighted to offer examples of some housing models.