Pregnant and Parenting Youth Face a Higher Risk of Homelessness
Pregnancy and parenting are common among young people facing homelessness, more so than among their stably housed peers. Homelessness is extremely traumatic for young families, often leading to serious and lifelong effects for the child and the parent.
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.
Parenting Youth Need More Than Just a Safe Place to Sleep
Homelessness is extremely traumatic for young families, often leading to serious and lifelong effects for the child and the parent. Young children are particularly vulnerable as the first five years of a child’s life are critical for brain development.
Early experiences of homelessness place parents and children at a higher risk 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 find there are few options for safe shelter and services for them.
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 only a handful of centers offering residential services and holistic care to young families overcoming homelessness and survivors of human trafficking . Each Covenant House site that operates a program for young families tailors their services to the parents and children in their care.
When we welcome a young parent into one of our houses, we provide a host of wraparound services that respond to their immediate needs and support them while they work on acquiring skills and knowledge that will allow them to build a stable life for themselves and their children. In addition to essentials such as food, clothing, and diapers, our family services typically include:
- 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."
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.
Help Provide Housing and Care for Young Families
Your gift today can provide direct care, housing, and wellness to young families overcoming homelessness.
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