Indicator: 63 - Youth Living in Homeless or Emergency Shelters

Why This Is Important

Housing is a basic need for all families and their children. Being homeless is often a serious consequence of a family’s basic social, economic and/or mental health needs not being met. Homelessness among youth in the United States is disturbingly common, with an estimated annual prevalence of at least 5% for those age 12 to 17. Maine communities need to find ways to prevent homelessness and be able to provide shelter for all those who seek it.

Where We Stand

According to the Maine State Housing Authority, in July of 2000, 2001 and 2002 over 400 of Maine’s young people aged birth through 17 stayed in a homeless or emergency shelter either with or without other family members, and the number of such young people has been rising. This number may include children whose primary residence is out of state. It is important to note that not all of the state’s shelters admit children.

Data Sources and Context

The data source for this indicator is the Maine Kids Count Data Book (2003) and the Maine State Housing Authority.