We must recognize that the causes of youth homelessness are different from adult homelessness, and the circumstances that lead young people to be ejected from or leave their homes are complex. Many different factors contribute to youth homelessness, but studies suggest that there are common paths to homelessness for young people. The majority of homeless youth have either run away, been kicked out of unstable home environments, abandoned by their families or caregivers, involved with public systems (foster care, juvenile justice, and mental health), or have a history of residential instability and disconnection.

The goal is to expand effective prevention strategies to deter youth homelessness in tandem with increasing readily available crisis responses and longer-term solutions for young people who are experiencing homelessness. Preventing homelessness and housing youth who experience homelessness is key to preventing these young people from becoming chronically homeless adults. Expanding youth-appropriate housing and services over time for homeless youth will save lives and decrease criminal justice costs and the costs associated with long-term homelessness.