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, but this number dropped to 315 in July 2003. 
In July of 2004, this number increased to 372 but dropped again to 318 in July of 2005.

According to the 2005 data on homeless youth, youth make up 36% of the total shelter popultation.  The average age of homeless youth is 10 years old.  Of Maine's homeless youth, 26.7% were not accompanied by an adult, and 26.6% are minorities.  In addditon,
61.5% report that they do attend school.

 

Data Sources and Context

The data source for this indicator is the Maine State Housing Authority. July numbers were compiled from a biannual shelter occupancy report submitted by shelters for this month. Further information was also obtained through the 2005 March Homeless Biannual Report.

The total number of homeless youth 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.