Y2Y HOMELESS SHELTER
THE MISSION*
Y2Y Harvard Square, a student-run overnight shelter, employs a youth-to-youth model to provide a safe and affirming environment for young adults experiencing homelessness. Y2Y guests have opportunities to collaborate with service providers, other youth experiencing homelessness, and student volunteers to create sustainable pathways out of homelessness and develop skills for long-term success. Y2Y provides opportunities for both guests and volunteers to become the next generation’s leading advocates for youth-driven solutions to homelessness.
*For more information on the shelter visit https://www.y2yharvardsquare.org/
YOUTH HOMELESSNESS STATISTICS**
It is estimated that on any given night there are approximately 1.3 million homeless youth living unsupervised on the streets, in abandoned buildings, with friends or with strangers
It is estimated that 5,000 unaccompanied youth die each year as a result of assault, illness, or suicide.
One in seven young people between the ages of 10 and 18 will run away
Youth age 12 to 17 are more at risk of homelessness than adults
75 percent of runaways are female
Estimates of the number of pregnant homeless girls are between 6 and 22 percent
Between 20 and 40 percent of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ+
46 percent of runaway and homeless youth reported being physically abused, 38 percent reported being emotionally abused , and 17 percent reported being forced into unwanted sexual activity by a family or household member
75 percent percent of homeless or runaway youth have dropped out or will drop out of school
Youth that live in residential or institutional facilities (such as foster care) often become homeless upon discharge. Very few homeless youth are able to seek housing in emergency shelters due to the lack of shelter beds for young people and shelter admission policies
**For more information on youth homelessness visit http://www.ncsl.org/research/human-services/homeless-and-runaway-youth.aspx