Understanding Youth Houselessness: Insights from Spokane County

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Recently, 74 youth who have, or are experiencing houselessness participated in an assessment to share their experiences to increase awareness of the state of youth houselessness in Spokane County. Houselessness, as defined in the assessment, encompasses not having a stable, safe, or permanent place to live. For the participants of the survey, this meant moving frequently between places—often relying on temporary accommodations like couch-surfing, shelters, or even public spaces like cars or parks.

The Better Health Together / Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) Youth and Young Adult Housing Needs Assessment results express the challenges and experiences of 74 youth and young adults in Spokane County who have either experienced or are currently experiencing houselessness. The assessment, conducted from October 2023 to January 2024, focused not just on documenting these experiences but delving into the underlying reasons behind youth and young adult houselessness.

Of particular concern were historically underserved groups such as young people of color, LGBTQIA+ youth, transgender or gender non-conforming individuals, those with disabilities, pregnant or parenting youth, and those involved in the child welfare or juvenile justice systems.

Key Findings and Insights

The survey painted a comprehensive picture of the challenges faced by these young individuals:

  • Prevalence of Risk Factors: A significant majority of respondents belonged to one or more high-risk groups, underscoring the disproportionate impact of houselessness on marginalized communities.

  • Barriers to Housing: Economic factors, mental health challenges, and systemic barriers such as discrimination were identified as primary obstacles to accessing and maintaining housing stability.

  • Social Service Experiences: While there were positive aspects in terms of communication with service providers, issues such as care coordination and access to services remained problematic for many respondents.

  • Social Disconnectedness: Many respondents reported feelings of social isolation and a lack of community trust, highlighting the broader societal impacts of houselessness beyond mere housing instability.

Challenges and Limitations

While the assessment was able to capture a number of different perspectives, there are always limitations. The sampling method for gathering this data was volunteer-based, and it’s hard to get the full picture without a large sampling base, as we want to avoid generalizing the houseless population. However, the insights help inform targeted interventions and policy decisions aimed at preventing youth and young adult houselessness.

Moving Forward

The data from this assessment will be crucial in shaping community responses and support systems. By amplifying the voices of those affected and advocating for their needs, stakeholders—ranging from policymakers to service providers—can work towards creating more inclusive and effective solutions.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the YHDP Youth and Young Adult Housing Needs Assessment not only serves as a wake-up call but also as a blueprint for action. It highlights the urgent need for comprehensive support systems that address the multifaceted challenges faced by youth and young adults experiencing houselessness. Through collaborative efforts and targeted initiatives, we can strive towards a future where every young person in Spokane County has access to safe, stable housing and the opportunities they need to thrive.