The True Colors Fund, in partnership with the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty, published the State Index on Youth Homelessness 2018. The report estimates that, nationwide, 4.2 million youth and young adults under the age of 25 experience homelessness each year. The report ranks each state on its laws, policies, systems, and environment for addressing youth homelessness; identifies notable practices; and provides recommendations for each state. No state in the country currently addresses youth homelessness fully, according to the report.
Certain groups are overrepresented among youth who experience homelessness. LGBTQ youth are 120% more likely to experience homelessness when compared with their heterosexual and cisgender peers. African American youth are 83% more likely to experience homelessness. African American young men who identify as LGBTQ endure the highest rates of homelessness, with one in four reporting homelessness in the past year (not including those who only reported couch-surfing). LGBTQ youth of color are especially vulnerable to discrimination and institutional racism in education, housing, and employment, and can encounter barriers when they attempt to access social services and support programs.