November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month

From November 2019, according to “Rising to the Challenge: A Plan to Prevent and End Youth & Young Adult Homelessness in Boston,” the average age of a youth or young adult’s (YYA) first experience with homelessness is 16 years old.



Boston’s homeless YYA are 40-58 percent Black, 21-35 percent Latinx, and 25-29 percent identify as LGBTQ. Approximately, 32-47 percent of Boston’s homeless YYA reported being detained in either the juvenile or adult justice system, 31-39 percent reported that they had been placed in foster care, while 22 percent reported experiences with both systems.



There are many organizations that work with Boston’s homeless YYA, including Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Y2Y, Home for Little Wanderers, Roca, More Than Words, BAGLY, Boston CASA, and the Boston Public Schools Homeless Education Resource Network and Re-Engagement Center.



During this week’s Council meeting, the Council adopted a resolution recognizing November as National Homeless Youth Awareness Month. The City Council commends the Boston Youth Action Board for their work thus far to prevent and end unaccompanied youth and young adult homelessness.