Why young people become homeless
Homelessness is not only a housing problem. There are lots of
reasons why a young person could become homeless.
Family breakdown
Relationship breakdown, usually between young people
and their parents or step-parents, is a major cause of youth
homelessness. Around six in 10 young people who come to Centrepoint
report they had to leave home because of arguments, relationship
breakdown or being told to leave.
Many have experienced long-term problems at home,
often involving violence, leaving them without the family support
networks that most of us take for granted. Read more about the role
of family in the lives of homeless young people in our Family Life report.
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Complex support needs
Young people who come to Centrepoint face a range of different
problems. For example, a third of young people at Centrepoint
have a mental health problem. Over a quarter of young people
at Centrepoint are also known to use or suspected of using illegal
drugs, and 13% have a physical health problem.
These problems often overlap, making it more difficult for young
people to access help and increasing the chances of them
becoming homeless. Read more about the complex needs of homeless
young people in our report, The changing face
of youth homelessness.
Deprivation
Young people's chances of having to leave home are higher in
areas of high deprivation and poor employment and education
prospects. Many of those who experience long spells of poverty
can get into problem debt, which makes it harder for them to access
housing.
Transitions from care
A fifth of young people at Centrepoint have been in
care. They often have little choice but to deal with the
challenges and responsibilities of living independently at a young
age.
Traumas faced in their early lives make care leavers some of the
most vulnerable young people in our communities, with higher
chances of poor outcomes in education, employment and housing.
Their additional needs mean they require a higher level of support
to maintain their accommodation.
Gang crime
Homeless young people are often affected by gang-related
problems. In some cases, it becomes too dangerous to stay in their
local area meaning they can end up homeless. One in six young
people at Centrepoint have been involved in or affected by gang
crime.
Exclusion from school
This can make it much more difficult for young people to access
help with problems at home or health problems. Missing out on
formal education can also make it more difficult for them to move
into work.
Refugees
A third of young people at Centrepoint are refugees or have
leave to remain, meaning it isn't safe to return home. This
includes young people who come to the UK as unaccompanied minors,
fleeing violence or persecution in their own country. After being
granted asylum, young people can find themselves with nowhere to go
and can end up homeless.