Characteristics of Youth and Young Adults at Risk of Homelessness in the U.S.

In this study, we identified differences in characteristics and circumstances, main presenting problems, and types of referrals received among young people who were in crisis, at imminent risk of homelessness, or currently homeless. This study draws on data from 11,566 young people who contacted the...

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Main Authors: Melissa A. Kull, Susan Frankel, Samantha Gills
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-07-01
Series:Youth
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2673-995X/4/3/70
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author Melissa A. Kull
Susan Frankel
Samantha Gills
author_facet Melissa A. Kull
Susan Frankel
Samantha Gills
author_sort Melissa A. Kull
collection DOAJ
description In this study, we identified differences in characteristics and circumstances, main presenting problems, and types of referrals received among young people who were in crisis, at imminent risk of homelessness, or currently homeless. This study draws on data from 11,566 young people who contacted the National Runaway Safeline (NRS) through the National Communication System (NCS), a federal program for young people at risk or experiencing homelessness in the U.S. and those who care for them. Frontline staff collect information directly from young people during crisis intervention engagement through the NRS. We used multinomial logistic regression analyses to predict membership in each of the homelessness risk categories and logistic regression analyses to predict the type of service referrals young people received. Results revealed that young people’s circumstances and presenting problems were associated with homelessness risk category membership, which in turn was linked with the types of service referrals young people received. This study illuminates valuable opportunities for targeting prevention opportunities to the specific needs of young people with varying levels of homelessness risk.
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spelling doaj-art-30b21c9bf6314aa08ccfc49f34f2783a2025-08-20T01:56:13ZengMDPI AGYouth2673-995X2024-07-01431134115110.3390/youth4030070Characteristics of Youth and Young Adults at Risk of Homelessness in the U.S.Melissa A. Kull0Susan Frankel1Samantha Gills2Chapin Hall, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USANational Runaway Safeline, Chicago, IL 60657, USANational Runaway Safeline, Chicago, IL 60657, USAIn this study, we identified differences in characteristics and circumstances, main presenting problems, and types of referrals received among young people who were in crisis, at imminent risk of homelessness, or currently homeless. This study draws on data from 11,566 young people who contacted the National Runaway Safeline (NRS) through the National Communication System (NCS), a federal program for young people at risk or experiencing homelessness in the U.S. and those who care for them. Frontline staff collect information directly from young people during crisis intervention engagement through the NRS. We used multinomial logistic regression analyses to predict membership in each of the homelessness risk categories and logistic regression analyses to predict the type of service referrals young people received. Results revealed that young people’s circumstances and presenting problems were associated with homelessness risk category membership, which in turn was linked with the types of service referrals young people received. This study illuminates valuable opportunities for targeting prevention opportunities to the specific needs of young people with varying levels of homelessness risk.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-995X/4/3/70youth homelessnesshomelessness preventionrisks for homelessnessservice referrals
spellingShingle Melissa A. Kull
Susan Frankel
Samantha Gills
Characteristics of Youth and Young Adults at Risk of Homelessness in the U.S.
Youth
youth homelessness
homelessness prevention
risks for homelessness
service referrals
title Characteristics of Youth and Young Adults at Risk of Homelessness in the U.S.
title_full Characteristics of Youth and Young Adults at Risk of Homelessness in the U.S.
title_fullStr Characteristics of Youth and Young Adults at Risk of Homelessness in the U.S.
title_full_unstemmed Characteristics of Youth and Young Adults at Risk of Homelessness in the U.S.
title_short Characteristics of Youth and Young Adults at Risk of Homelessness in the U.S.
title_sort characteristics of youth and young adults at risk of homelessness in the u s
topic youth homelessness
homelessness prevention
risks for homelessness
service referrals
url https://www.mdpi.com/2673-995X/4/3/70
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