Young adults experiencing homelessness (YAEH) are at high risk for discrimination. Limited
research has documented the extent of discrimination experiences and their relationship to
mental health outcomes among this group. This study used data from YAEH who completed
self-administered surveys across seven U.S. cities (N = 1,426) to examine the rates and
correlates of discrimination experiences and their association with psychological distress
and suicidal ideation. Chi-square and multivariate logistic regressions were used to examine
the relations between perceived discrimination and race, gender identity, sexual orientation,
foster care history, criminal justice history, reasons for homelessness, and length of time
homeless. Then, logistic regression was used to examine whether discrimination increased the
odds of psychological distress and suicidal ideation, controlling for other factors. Three-fourths
(75.8%) of the sample (n = 1,055) reported experiencing at least one of the five forms of
everyday discrimination experiences at least a few times a year, with the most common reason
attributed to their housing situation (46%). Sexual orientation, juvenile justice involvement, and
having been homeless for 2 years or more were associated with increased odds of experiencing
discrimination. Discrimination was a strong predictor of psychological distress but was
significant only at the bivariate level for suicidal ideation. Study results suggest that experiences
of discrimination are common among YAEH and that these experiences increase risk for
psychological distress. Providers working with YAEH need to validate and acknowledge the
impact of these experiences on mental health. And, communities need to work to reduce
discrimination experiences by targeting stigma against YAEH