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Homeless Youth in Canada

The homeless population in Canada is made up of about 20% of young people aged 16-24 both male and female. Unlike adults who become homeless, most youth who are living on the streets come from homes where there is usually family conflict, disruptions to school and family life, neglect and/or poverty. Many street youth lack the ability and means to support themselves independently through employment and housing. They are often left to find other ways to earn money which often leads to crime and exploitation.

Definition

Homelessness refers to someone who is in a living situation without stable, permanent, and appropriate housing. They also many not have the ability or the means to acquire affordable housing or employment. This can be anyone living in an unsheltered, emergency sheltered, or temporarily accommodated housing, as well as those who are at risk of becoming homeless.

Causes

Homophobia

Many studies have shown that about 20-30% of homeless youth are apart of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgendered LGBT community, which suggests that homophobia, is a contributor to homelessness. Youth who are LGBT experience discrimination from their home, school, peers, family, and communities and it is this discrimination that often leads to youth choosing to leave home due to the conditions at home.

Shortage of Jobs and Affordable Housing

In some cases, lack of jobs and affordable housing can contribute to youth being taken into care by children's aid society because their parents/guardians can no longer take care of their child. Depending on the situation, some youth choose to leave there given foster homes for the streets if they do not like the living conditions.

Troubled Homes

The majority of homeless youth or children do not choose to leave a happy home for the streets, it is usually because of broken homes and troubled pasts that contribute to youth choosing to leaving home. Many homeless youth have also experienced some form of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse and others simply feel neglected.

Risks Associated with Homelessness

Violence and Exploitation

One of the more prominent risks associated with homelessness is violence on youth which includes physical assault, sexual assault, exploitation, and prostitution. Many youth become subjected to these attacks due to the constant threats they receive living on the streets. Some youth become involved in prostitution as a way to earn money, and through this can also become subjected to violence.

Drug Addiction and Gangs

Many homeless youth become involved with drugs and gangs due to the fact that they feel alone and desperate living on the streets. In some cases, youth end up in jail for participating in illegal activity, often instructed by other gang members.

Illness and Death

Street youth are often more likely to become ill or die while living on the streets due to the conditions they are subjected too. Homeless youth also have a much higher risk of getting HIV, AID’s or an STD from unprotected sex, and through sharing needles or situations where bodily fluids interact.