HOMELESS AND RUNWAYS ARE THE SAME

Current studies suggest that the primary cause of youth homelessness is family dysfunction in the form of parental neglect, physical or sexual abuse, family substance abuse and family violence. 

Homeless is an individual who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, while runaway is almost the same but they escape from the power of their parents, as consequence they live on the street. The final resolution between homeless and runways is that they don’t have a home.

Evidence suggests that differences may exist between subtypes of homeless youth, and therefore, unique approaches to interventions are utilized in a variety of programs. 

Reasons Youth Become Homeless or runaway:

Family problems: Many youths run away, and in turn become homeless, due to problems in the home, including physical and sexual abuse, mental health disorders of a family member, substance abuse and addiction of a family member, and parental neglect.

Transitions from foster care and other public systems: Youth who have been involved in the foster care system are more likely to become homeless at an earlier age and remain homeless for a longer period of time. Youth aging out of the foster care system often have little or no income support and limited housing options and are at higher risk to end up on the streets. Youth that live in residential or institutional facilities often become homeless upon discharge

Economic problems: Some youth become homeless when their families fall into difficult financial situations resulting from lack of affordable housing, difficulty obtaining or maintaining a job, or lack of medical insurance or other benefits.

 

 

 

Consequences of Life on the Street 

 

·         Increased likelihood of high-risk behaviors, including engaging in unprotected sex, having multiple sex partners and participating in intravenous drug use. 

·         Greater risk of severe anxiety and depression, suicide, poor health and nutrition, and low self-esteem.

·         Difficulty attending school due to lack of required enrollment records

·         Increased likelihood of exchanging sex for food, clothing and shelter ( also known as "survival sex") or dealing drugs to meet basic needs. 

*Please note that the terms "homeless" and "runaway" are used interchangeably as both groups lack adequate shelter and are at a greater risk of engaging in dangerous behaviors while living on the streets.