The Idea

Understanding

Youth homelessness is more than a housing crisis.

Youth-focused housing programs generally serve people aged 24 and younger. Every age brings a distinct set of vulnerabilities, and a distinct kind of care.

Unaccompanied Minors

Under 0

Children experiencing homelessness individually or as part of a family unit.

Transition Age Youth

0 — 24

Young adults, including pregnant or parenting youth, without a parent or legal guardian.

Program Eligibility

≤ 0

The primary age range served by youth homelessness programs and initiatives nationwide.

Definitions align with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) guidance. Reference HUD reports for the most current data.

National Data

The scale of youth homelessness, in plain numbers.

Source: HUD Continuum of Care Point-in-Time Count, January 2025.

Unaccompanied young people recorded nationwide

Youth program eligibility range

0 & under

Decrease compared with the previous year

− 0 %

Share of total homeless under age 18

< 0 %