Feeling aShamed of Being Homeless!
Women and Youth Try To Hide It
Hidden homelessness is affecting women and young people at alarming numbers
Just imagine wondering every day if you’ll be sleeping in your car, on a friend’s couch or on a bus or a train. 34% of women, 20,000 Foster Care youth per year and 18% of college student’s face these challenges.
Homelessness after the Transition from Foster Care to Adulthood Foster Care Youths are technically considered adults, at age 18, some states at 21. It’s hard to believe! Because most 18 years olds are not ready to live independently and by age 19, 20% of foster care youth become homelessness. Why? It’s almost impossible for young people to acquire housing earning minimum wages. They lack the education and skills required to get jobs that paying more than the minimum wage. These youths often struggle just to keep themselves housed. Especially, for those who had run away, placed in a group home, physically abused before entering foster care, engaged in delinquent behaviors, and those who did not feel close to a biological parent or grandparent |
The hidden and invisible side of women facing homelessness
Women make up about 34% of the homeless population. But that’s just a study of women who’ve stayed in shelters. So, it safe to say that most women facing homelessness will exhaust every option they have before they stay in shelters or transitional housing Why is this? It’s not surprising that homeless women might not feel comfortable staying in a shelter with men. Women who are and aren’t victims of violence or abuse by men still avoid homeless shelters. For most women with children, staying in a shelter isn’t really an option. Studies have found that, Instead of going to the shelter, many homeless women find alternative ways to stay off the street. Some turn to family and friends—couch-surfing from night to night. Others sleep in their cars. And some even choose to return to abusive fathers, or relationships to avoid living on the streets. Unfortunately, most of the assistance available to women falls within two groups: shelters and services for mothers with children or being lumped together with homeless men. There aren’t many shelters or services available just for women with or without children. Obviously, this avoidance of shelters makes it worse for women struggling with homelessness. It limits their access to support groups, homeless services, counseling, and safe housing options that are readily available if they stay in a shelter. 
Homeless College Students
Almost exists undetected, according to UCF experts. They’re wearing jeans and T-shirts and blending in with other college students. College students use to worry about pursuing a degree. Now most are facing homelessness due to the rising cost of tuition, the decreasing ability to acquire financial aid, secure affordable dorm rooms and the cost of food have driven the homelessness crisis among students. It has become a battle for students to survive, as homelessness has increasingly affected their financial and emotional stability. “People assume if you can afford tuition, you should have enough money to afford housing and all the associated costs. That is just not the case. Many students are coming from a background without the life-skills training, parental support or have been kicked out of their homes and do not have the resources they need. |
