Street-involved and Homeless Youth

Most youth are not on the streets by choice. They’ve either been forced to leave home or have left because it is unsafe. Many have unresolved issues, experiences of trauma, and a great sense of loss. They face a huge task of going through adolescence with weak social and economic supports.

Street youth compete in a labour market where they are at a severe disadvantage, even for the most basic minimum wage jobs. For most high school education is incomplete. They are poorly nourished, susceptible to illness, injury and trauma than other young people and are often diagnosed with mental illnesses. Many are dealing with substance abuse issues. These factors and the lack of stable housing weaken youth’s abilities to secure and sustain employment. Most street youth earn money somehow: telemarketing; working in the sex trades; squeegeeing; panhandling; hustling or selling drugs.