Youth Homelessness

Youth homelessness in Canada is a reality

Twenty per cent of Canada’s¹ homeless population consists of young people between the ages of 13 to 24,² and at least 6,000 young people experience homelessness every night.³

Most of Canada's young homeless population gravitate to big cities, but homelessness also occurs in other communities—it's just less visible. And the problem starts early. Forty per cent of homeless youth first experience homelessness before the age of 16.⁴

We serve youth between 16 to 24 years old: a critical time for intervention, and a chance to change a young person's life.

Homelessness happens for a range of reasons

Youth who are homeless find themselves disconnected from the necessary supports and systems. Many have been part of systems that perpetuate their trauma. The shelter system becomes a stop-gap for these young people.

Over 50%

of homeless youth indicated abuse at home contributed to their homelessness.⁵

58%

of homeless youth reported some involvement with child welfare in the past.⁶

Many youth who are homeless face other barriers

Youth experiencing homelessness often face discrimination in addition to other trauma.

30% of youth who are homeless identify as 2SLGBTQIA+⁷
31% identify as Indigenous ⁸
28% identify as members of racialized communities⁹

Homelessness takes a toll on young lives

85 per cent of homeless youth have experienced a high level of distress related to their mental health,¹⁰ and 42 per cent reported at least one suicide attempt.¹¹

The stress of homelessness impacts a young person's ability to concentrate on school, maintain a job and reach their true potential.

Fifty-three per cent of homeless youth drop out of school¹² as life stressors become too pressing to concentrate on education. And 76 per cent of homeless youth are unemployed,¹³ a reflection of the challenges in gaining and maintaining work while living on the street.

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References

Unless noted otherwise, all statistics in this section represent an overview of youth homelessness at the national level. Please note that statistics about the youth who stay at Covenant House Toronto may differ due to sample size and demographics.
Gaetz, S., Gulliver, T., & Richter, T. (2014). The State of Homelessness in Canada: 2014. Toronto: The Homeless Hub Press
Gaetz, S., Dej, E., Richter, T., & Redman, M. (2016). The State of Homelessness in Canada 2016. Toronto: Canadian Observatory on Homelessness Press
Gaetz, S., Dej, E., Richter, T., & Redman, M. (2016). The State of Homelessness in Canada 2016. Toronto: Canadian Observatory on Homelessness Press
Gaetz, S., O'Grady, B., Kidd, S. and Schwan, K. (2016). Without a Home: The National Youth Homelessness Survey. Toronto: Canadian Observatory on Homelessness Press.
to 13: Ibid

Youth Homelessness