Pregnant and Parenting Youth Face a Higher Risk of Homelessness
Pregnancy and parenting are more common among young people facing homelessness than among their peers. For young families, the lack of a safe place to stay can lead to lasting physical, emotional, and developmental challenges for both parent and child.
About 44% of young women, ages 18-25, who face homelessness report being a parent or pregnant.
For young men, ages 18-25, who face homelessness, 18% report being a parent.
Covenant House sites in 13 locations offer specialized programs for young families.
Young Families Need More Than Just Shelter
A safe place to stay is critical, but it’s only the beginning. Young families need consistent care, stability, and support during pregnancy and early childhood, when development is most critical.
Without that support, both parent and child face higher risks for a range of challenges, including pregnancy-related deaths, chronic illness, and developmental delays.
- About 44% of young women and 18% of young men, ages 18-25, who face homelessness report being a parent or being pregnant.
- Pregnancy and parenting are common among young people facing homelessness, more so than among their stably housed peers.
- Young families experiencing homelessness struggle to find shelters that can accommodate both a parent and their child.
Frequently Asked Questions About Covenant House Young Families
If you are a young parent in need of care, go to "Find Shelter" to find a Covenant House near you. Please note that not all Covenant House locations offer services for young families, but they can refer you to a local program.
We Are Committed to Helping Young Families Transform Their Lives
Covenant House is one of the few organizations offering residential services and holistic care to young families overcoming homelessness and human trafficking. Each of our sites operating a program for young families tailors support to meet the needs of both parent and child.
When a young parent enters our care, they are met with support that reflects their strength and unwavering commitment to their children. We provide wraparound services that meet immediate needs while helping them build the skills and stability needed to create a safe, lasting future for their family—one shaped by the unconditional love and everyday sacrifice that defines parenthood.
In addition to essentials like food, clothing, and diapers, Covenant House provides services such as:
- Child care
- Crisis care and short-term housing
- Early intervention referrals
- Education and GED services
- Family reunification, if safe and desired
- Financial literacy
- Job readiness and workforce development
- Legal assistance
- Medical and mental health care
- Parenting and life skills
- Prenatal and maternal health services
- Transitional and permanent housing
“I took advantage of every opportunity at Covenant House. I got into the job development program, got my first job, and got my GED. And while I was doing all this, Covenant House provided child care."
Help Provide Housing and Care for Young Families
Your gift today can provide direct care, housing, and wellness to young families overcoming homelessness.
Who Is at Risk of Youth Homelessness?
Many factors increase a young person’s chances of experiencing homelessness, but some of our most vulnerable populations face the greatest risk.
Young People of Color
Young people who are Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous experience homelessness at higher rates, largely due to systemic and structural racism.
LGBTQ+ Youth
LGBTQ+ youth experience a much higher risk of homelessness than their peers. Once on the street, they face additional hardships because of stigma and discrimination.
