A new report released by the Office of Homeless Youth (OHY) and A Way Home Washington (AWHWA) details significant strides in addressing homelessness among unaccompanied youth and young adults in Washington state since a collaborative, multi-sector statewide effort was launched in 2016.
“Yes to Yes” Washington State: Unaccompanied Youth and Young Adult Homelessness Landscape Scan, funded by the Raikes Foundation and the Schultz Family Foundation, pairs comprehensive data analysis with perspectives from more than 100 young people who have experienced homelessness, service providers, and other stakeholders across the state. The report presents a roadmap and a vision for Washington state where young people without stable housing can promptly receive the help they need within their community.
The report highlights remarkable achievements in the effort to address youth and young adult homelessness, including the near complete closure of a geographic service gap identified in 2016. While our work is far from complete, the findings show that even when faced with a problem as complex and dynamic as youth and young adult homelessness, progress can be made with focused funding, attention, and public-private partnerships that provide capacity for innovation.
Transcending mere statistics, this report delves into the authentic experiences of those affected, revealing a narrative often overshadowed by numbers alone. It serves as a vital resource for policymakers, advocates, and individuals dedicated to addressing youth and young adult homelessness.
Key findings include:
- 40% reduction in unaccompanied youth and young adult homelessness from 2016-2022
- 75% of youth and young adults permanently housed in 2020 retained stable housing two years later
- 15,338 unaccompanied youth and young adults accessed the state homelessness system in 2022
- 50% of those who accessed the homelessness system in 2022 were Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC)
- Almost 1 in 10 were Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Questioning, and other (LGBQ+). However, this is likely an undercount because most sexual orientation data were unknown
- More than a third of youth and young adults experiencing homelessness were disabled
- More than 1 in 10 were pregnant or parenting
Recognizing that much work remains to address youth and young adult homelessness, this report is transparent about persistent challenges and gaps — especially in rural communities — where unaccompanied youth and young adults continue to struggle to find safe housing and shelter. This is especially true for those under 18 years old, LGBTQIA2S+, BIPOC, and pregnant/parenting young people.
Visit the Office of Homeless Youth website to learn more about our work.
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