What is Youth Homelessness

International research as well as the experiences of frontline services indicate that young people experiencing homelessness have a different pathway into homelessness, and distinct needs which require youth spefic solutions, as noted by FEANTSA, the European Federation of National Organisations Working with the Homeless. 

As well as those who are officially recorded as homeless, there is likely a large number of young people living without a permanent home, these young people rely upon unstable accommodation such as sleeping on friends’ sofas, squatting or staying in other insecure or unsafe places. We know little about the exact numbers of young people facing these forms of homelessness, they are often referred to as the ‘hidden homeless’.

We can end youth homelessness

We believe that youth homelessness is a problem which can and must be solved.

Members of the Irish Coalition to End Youth Homelessness (ICEYH) are committed to working towards the following objectives:

• Better data and awareness of youth homelessness
• Services that match the distinct needs of young people
• Better policy to prevent youth homelessness
• Better collaboration by all bodies which interact with young people at risk of, or experiencing homelessness