September is just around the corner, and students and parents are busy shopping for school supplies, choosing back-to-school outfits, and stocking the fridge with juice boxes and snacks.
But this isn't the case for all youth. As youth who are homeless get ready for this school year, they have to consider where they will live and what they will eat, in addition to what classes they'll take.
The numbers are more significant than many realize. In Canada, there are an estimated 65,000 homeless youth. A 2008 youth housing survey by the Community Social Planning Council of Greater Victoria estimated more than 600 youth and young adults face homelessness in this region. Judging from what has happened in other communities, the number may have increased by as much as 30 per cent since that survey.
It is difficult to be sure of such estimates, however, as so many of the youth experiencing homelessness do not sleep rough on the streets, but are "hidden." They may be sleeping in cars, at friends' or strangers' houses or couchsurfing. Youth experiencing homelessness are also difficult to find because they are transient, often moving from place to place.
Too often, we in the broader community try to dismiss this issue, thinking of these street youth as runaways. The reality is that there are many reasons a youth may become homeless. Some flee family conflict because of sexual orientation, poverty, abuse and neglect or learning and development disabilities. Others become embroiled in issues related to substance abuse and addiction.
Once these youth are homeless, they become extremely vulnerable, as the impacts of homelessness are amplified on a youth population. These youth have higher rates of HIV and sexually transmitted infections when compared with their housed peers. They also report a variety of sicknesses: from backache to respiratory illness to "street sickness" - a general feeling of malaise. These illnesses are the result of sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements and the inability to keep up proper hygiene. Youth who are homeless also face poor nutrition, which worsens existing conditions and weakens the immune system. Youth need proper nutrition for their bodies and brains to properly grow and prepare for adulthood.
Homelessness also increases anxiety and stress among youth. Many homeless youth suffer from depression and anxiety; in a survey of 762 homeless youth by the McCreary Centre Society, 45 per cent of the homeless youth made one or more attempt at suicide within one calendar year compared with 14 per cent of their housed peers.
These challenges are compounded because it is difficult for youth to access the services available to adults. Many emergency shelters cater only to adults, so those under 18 years of age are not allowed to use those facilities. Also, youth who leave living situations of conflict or abuse are often distrustful of adults, making it difficult to connect with services run by staffed adults that are available to prevent them from becoming homeless.
Youth also face barriers when looking for housing, as many landlords don't want to rent to youth, or they may have a lack of rental references, or they may be unable to afford rent due to low incomes.
While this paints a bleak picture, there are actually reasons for optimism. The great work done for youth and youth at risk by organizations like the Threshold Housing Society, the Victoria Youth Empowerment Society, the Salvation Army and others, show that these gateways to youth homelessness can be closed.
First, the community must continue to address the immediate needs for food, shelter, counsellors and medical and addiction treatment. Youth must have access to youth-specific and culturally appropriate transitional housing and supports. Supports must also be in place for those aging out of government care.
While our youth are vulnerable, they can also be resilient and optimistic. That is why early intervention is so important to preventing youth homelessness. Counselling supports can help a youth stay at home, and appropriate services can be provided if the home is unsafe.
With the coming school year upon us, schools remain as one of the few sanctuaries of normalcy for these youth. They provide us the opportunity to mentor and support youth in need.
On a federal and provincial level, homeless youth must be recognized as distinct from the greater adult homeless population, and specific policies for youth must work to protect and prevent youth from homelessness.
Every youth should be able to go to school, and to have a place to come home to that is safe and appropriate after that school day ends.
Andrew Wynn-Williams is executive director of the Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness.
