Why are there Homeless youth in Missouri?
Behind the face of every homeless youth is another heart-breaking story: A 15 year boy abused by his alcoholic parent; or a pregnant girl rejected by her guardian; or a teenager trying to escape gang membership or a life of prostitution. In case after case, the main cause of youth homelessness is physical, sexual and/or emotional abuse from parents or guardians.
- Last Year the National Runaway Hotline reported over 2,500 calls from homeless youth in Missouri, a rate 4 times that of other states in our region.
- In 2006, Covenant House NINELINE reported 7,160 calls from youth in the state of Missouri.
According to a sampling of homeless youth in St. Louis City and County; (done by Legal Services of Eastern Missouri and Saint Louis University):
- 8% were orphans, made homeless by death or illness of a parent.
- 24% were forced out of their homes by parents or other adults.
- 66% of youth had been victim of physical or sexual abuse.
- 14% fled the effects of substance abuse in the home.
What about foster care?
Many of the young people living and dying on the streets of our communities are former foster children who have aged out of the system. They are too old for the foster care system but too young to take care of themselves without a family or support system.
- Almost 40% of young people who come to Covenant House have spent time in foster care.
- 32% of CHMO -ROP youth in FY 2007 were formerly in DFS/DYS custody.
Why should I be concerned about homeless youth?
Beyond humanitarian reasons, the cost to our society is staggering. Today’s homeless youth will become tomorrow’s unemployable and chronically homeless adults.
- 27% of the St. Louis City population is under 18.
- 28% of homeless youth will spend at least some time in places such as cars, abandoned buildings, on the streets or other public places. (1)
- Society pays an enormous price for failing to help high-risk youth. According to Vanderbilt Professor Mark Cohen, that cost is $1.7 – $2.3 million PER CHILD.
Without a stable home or support system, young people drop out of school and end up totally unprepared for the workplace. Without adult mentors, role models or educational opportunities, they don’t have the life skills, vocational skills or education to get a decent job. Eventually, unemployment and lack of education and skills can lead to poverty, crime and drug abuse. Kids on the street are less likely to finish high school and obtain a living wage job. They are more likely to end up in jail, abuse alcohol and drugs, become teen parents, and/or become victims of violence.
- The cumulative high school dropout rate in St. Louis is 50%.
- 17% of St. Louis City youth are having children.
- 36% of St. Louis city youth are living in poverty. (2)
- As many as 42% of the homeless kids will be physically assaulted.
- 13% will be sexually assaulted.
- 13% will be forced into “survival sex”. (3)
Worst of all is the human cost, the cost to our society. By falling through the cracks of our society, our communities are robbed of the potential talent and energy of these young people. These young people are our future, and their future needs our support.