Youth Facts

There are many reasons a young person may become homeless.  These include: family conflict, parental mental illness and/or substance abuse, neglect, physical and sexual abuse, mental illness, learning disabilities, emotional issues and larger social issues such as poverty, racism and homophobia. 

Some statistics about homeless youth and young adults:

• An estimated 620 youth under 18 and another 1,380 young adults ages 18-21 are homeless in Seattle and King County at any given time

• There are an estimated 5,000 youth who run away in King County every year

• Up to 70% of homeless youth in Seattle are originally from this geographical area

• 60% of homeless youth experience trauma in their family before leaving

• Up to 35% experience sexual abuse in their homes before ending up on the streets

• Up to 60% experience physical abuse in their homes before ending up on the streets

• Up to 60% of homeless youth have been in foster care at some point in their life

• Up to 40% are LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, or Questioning)

• Up to 50% of homeless youth have been diagnosed with mental illness