Youth Voices - How Concerned Adults Can Support Young People Experiencing Homelessness

A.S. and A.L. are youth who have experienced homelessness. They share their experiences and insight about how concerned adults can be more effective in supporting youth experiencing homelessness.

Asking for help from adults can be incredibly challenging for youth experiencing homelessness. Many young people carry the weight of past trauma, including mistrust of authority figures or adults who may have let them down. Fear of judgment or rejection often holds them back from reaching out. Some worry about being labeled as a “problem” or being forced into a situation that feels out of their control, such as foster care or other systems. Pride, shame, and the pressure to seem independent can also make it hard to admit they need help. For many, there’s the added fear that their circumstances might not be understood, and they’ll face more barriers instead of solutions. These challenges create a wall between young people and the very people who are trying to help, making it even harder to access the supports they need.  

In today’s blog, we will hear directly from two remarkable individuals who have lived through these experiences. Their stories provide valuable insights into what it’s like to navigate life without stable housing, the barriers they’ve faced, and the importance of having supportive, positive adults in their corner. By sharing their personal journeys, these youth shed light on the realities of homelessness and offer a powerful perspective on how communities can better support young people in need. Their voices are a testament to the resilience and strength of youth, as well as the impact that understanding, compassion, and guidance can have on shaping their futures.

During one of the most difficult periods of my life, two adults became life-changing supports. I became homeless again during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time that felt both isolating and uncertain. One of these trusted adults was my supervisor, who became a mentor and a friend. She understood me on a deeper level, often without me needing to explain much, because we shared many similar identities. Our relationship grew as she helped me strategize both short- and long-term goals, and at other times, we simply took socially distanced walks to clear my mind. She later connected me to a case manager at a local nonprofit, whose care and positive energy became something I looked forward to each week. These adults showed me unconditional support, whether I was thriving or struggling, and that acceptance was key to helping me keep moving forward.

I’ve found that the most meaningful engagement with adults happens when they truly understand the unique challenges youth experiencing homelessness face. Many of us have learned to survive through self-reliance and resilience, often feeling that vulnerability could be seen as weakness. It takes time to unlearn these ideas and to begin trusting others again. The adults who respect where we are in our journey, encouraging us without pushing too hard, tend to make the biggest impact. However, it’s important to note that even well-meaning adults can inadvertently cause harm when they push youth in directions they aren’t ready for. Autonomy is critical, and youth need to feel empowered to make their own decisions, trusting that they know what’s best for themselves. The adults who understand this are the ones who will see real progress in their relationships with homeless and runaway youth.

- Shared by A.S.

As a young person who has experienced homelessness, I’ve learned how crucial it is to have adults in your life who are not only concerned but who truly listen to and respect your autonomy. I’ve seen firsthand how professors in my college have taken the time to understand my situation, offering guidance without pushing me in a direction I wasn't ready for. What makes them stand out as trusted adults is their ability to point me toward helpful resources, while also reminding me of the importance of building support systems and connections. They don’t just help me find solutions to my challenges; they make me feel heard and respected, which is something every young person experiencing homelessness deserves.

On the other hand, I’ve also had experiences where adults tried to help but missed the mark. Sometimes adults think they are being helpful when they tell other adults what is going on, but that is, at least for me, what specifically breaks trust. As a future educator, I know it's hard to just sit back while you know what is going on in a youth's life, but they need to make the choices themselves because only the youth involved knows who a trusted adult to them is or what action will keep them safe.

Other times, when I was living with my parents, I couldn’t seek help from adults outside my family out of fear—fear of being separated from my siblings or causing more harm than good. This is why it's essential for adults to build trust by being consistent, listening carefully, and avoiding actions that could break trust. For example, it’s important that they let youth make decisions about their next steps whenever possible, rather than taking control in ways that could make the youth feel unsafe or powerless. Providing young people with options and supporting them in making the right decisions for them gives young people like me autonomy, and also helps me build confidence in making important decisions for myself. Building a solid relationship with youth in these situations isn’t just about solving problems; it’s about making them feel safe enough to open up.

- Shared by A.L.

Concerned adults can be transformative figures in the lives of youth experiencing homelessness. By offering consistent, unconditional support and understanding, adults can help these young people navigate some of the most difficult challenges they face. However, it's essential for adults to recognize the unique barriers homeless youth encounter when asking for help—whether it's fear of judgment, past trauma, or concerns about losing control over their situation. Building trust and empowering youth to make their own decisions fosters stronger connections and leads to more meaningful engagement.

For adults who want to better support youth experiencing homelessness, here are four key tips:

1. Build Trust Gradually: Take the time to listen and understand where the youth is in their journey without pushing them toward solutions they aren’t ready for. Trust comes from showing you respect their autonomy and won’t judge their circumstances.
2. Encourage, Don’t Overwhelm: Offer support and guidance, but be mindful not to pressure them into decisions. Respect their pace and remember that pushing too hard can damage the trust you’ve worked to build.
3. Brainstorm Together to Solve Problems: When offering guidance or advice to young people, provide options that allow them to participate in the decision-making process.
4. Provide Unconditional Support: Be a consistent, positive presence in their lives, offering help regardless of whether they’re thriving or struggling. This steady support is crucial for youth who may not have experienced reliable, adult relationships in the past.