Ending Youth Homelessness

Homeless youth services provide young people ages 12-25 with opportunities to leave the streets and lead stable, productive lives. An estimated 620 youth under 18 and another 1,380 young adults ages 18-21 are homeless in Seattle and King County.

The Seattle Human Services Department funds services that focus on finding safe and secure housing for homeless young people whose many challenges can include a lack of stable housing, hunger, street violence and violence in their family home, isolation from family and community members, substance abuse, health and mental health issues, pregnancy, prostitution, lack of educational opportunities and job skills, racism and homophobia.

The services provided to homeless youth are varied based on the needs, cultures and interests of the youth and are designed to be easily accessible. In addition to providing transitional housing for teens and young adults, our partner agencies also provide employment training and other services for specific populations including Native Americans, pregnant teens and teen parents, and gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth.

Programs that serve homeless youth include:

• Housing
• Programs and Services
• Multi-Service Centers
• Employment Services