Homelessness is Rising for Young People and Here’s What You Can Do

Homelessness Is Rising for Young People and Here’s What You Can Do About It

If you live in Indianapolis, or really, anywhere in the US, it’s impossible to ignore the headlines: More young people are experiencing homelessness than ever before. The increase is not just a statistic; it’s a daily reality, right here in our neighborhoods. It’s kids couch-surfing at friends’ homes, teens spending the night in cars, and families doing everything they can to avoid sleeping on the street. This blog digs into why youth homelessness is rising and, more importantly, what we can do to help.

The Scope of the Crisis

Recent studies show nearly 150,000 children were homeless on a single night in 2024, a stunning 33% jump from the previous year. That’s the largest increase for any age group nationwide. And that number only counts the visible cases, kids in shelters or known to agencies. Many more bounce between unstable living situations, unseen and uncounted.

And the issue is even bigger when you look at teens and young adults. In the US, as many as 4.2 million young people will experience homelessness this year. Many are alone, some with their families, and some as young as middle schoolers. It’s an all-hands-on-deck situation, because every night on the street is a risk to their safety, health, and future.

What’s Behind These Alarming Numbers?

It’s tempting to search for one root cause, but youth homelessness is a tangled web. Here’s what’s feeding the crisis:

Lack of Affordable Housing: Rents have skyrocketed while wages remain flat. Families living paycheck-to-paycheck can be pushed into homelessness by a single missed payment, a medical emergency, or even a landlord deciding to sell.

End of Pandemic Safety Nets: During COVID-19, programs were put in place to prevent homelessness, like eviction moratoriums and expanded child tax credits. Many of those supports have expired, leaving families exposed to economic shocks.

Systemic Inequities: Black and African American youth face homelessness at much higher rates. They make up just 12% of the US population but represent 32% of homeless youth.

Family Instability: Conflict, neglect, or rejection at home (especially for LGBTQ+ teens) pushes many toward the streets. In some cases, young people leave to escape abuse or trauma and have nowhere else to go.

Mental Health and Substance Use: Homelessness and mental health issues often go hand-in-hand, with one worsening the other. Limited access to affordable care compounds the problem.

When so many forces collide, it’s easy for a young person, or a whole family, to fall through the cracks.

How Organizations Like Sana Place Indy Make a Difference

There’s no single solution, but there are proven ways to help kids and teens get off the streets and build bright futures.

At Sana Place Indy, our focus is simple: meet young people where they are, treat them with compassion, and create pathways to stability. That means:

Emergency beds and safe spaces so no young person has to sleep outside.

Support Services: Wraparound help, from mental health support to tutoring, job training, and life skills workshops.

Trusted Relationships: Every youth needs an adult who listens and believes in them. Our staff and volunteers are trained to offer “unconditional love, absolute respect, and relentless support.” (Learn more about our mission at https://www.sanaplaceindy.org/about About Sana Place Indy.)

We’re not the only ones. Other orgs like Covenant House and local centers like Trinity Haven and 91 Place and others across the nation provide continuous shelter, meals, and care, helping thousands of youth get the footing they need to rebuild.

Here’s What You Can Do to Help

It’s easy to feel powerless in the face of these numbers, but your actions matter, maybe more than you think. Here are real ways to support youth experiencing homelessness, right here in Indy, or wherever you live:

1. Donate (Regularly, If Possible)

Monthly giving can make more impact than you imagine. Many organizations, including Sana Place Indy and Covenant House, rely on predictable gifts to keep beds open and programs running smoothly. Even $10 or $20 a month can fuel year-round care for youth in crisis.

Want to chip in? https://www.sanaplaceindy.org/gift-of-hope Make a gift or become a monthly supporter.

2. Volunteer Your Time and Talents

Shelters and youth support organizations are always looking for caring adults to help out, whether that’s serving meals, tutoring, helping with special events, or lending professional skills. Got extra time, patience, or expertise? There’s a role for you.

Ready to get started? https://www.sanaplaceindy.org/get-involved See how you can get involved at Sana Place Indy.

3. Be an Advocate for Change

Systemic problems need systemic solutions. You can help by contacting your local representatives and asking them to:

• Expand affordable housing programs

• Raise the minimum wage

• Increase funding for mental health, youth outreach, and family supports

• Watch for city council meetings or local initiatives related to housing or youth support. One letter or call really does make a difference.

4. Donate Thoughtfully Not Just “Stuff”

Blankets and clothes are helpful, but shelters need cash and gift cards for their biggest impact. Financial donations allow programs to target needs and respond quickly to urgent situations.

If you want to donate supplies, ask your local center what’s most needed. Hygiene kits, socks, and non-perishable snacks often top the list.

5. Support Prevention, Not Just Emergency Response

Preventing homelessness in the first place is powerful. Programs that offer rental assistance, family mediation, or crisis counseling are some of the most effective, but also the least flashy and most under-resourced.

Spread the word about these programs and consider designating gifts or volunteer time to organizations focused on prevention.

6. Learn and Share What You Learn

The more we talk about youth homelessness, the harder it is to ignore or dismiss. Share the facts with your network: at work, at school, or online. Challenge harmful myths. Invite friends to support or volunteer together.

Start conversations that’s when real change starts when we all see these young people as our own kids, neighbors, and classmates.

Why It Matters and And Why Now

Youth are more than a number. Each one shines with potential—a future artist, nurse, teacher, or entrepreneur in our city. When we step up for them, we build a more hopeful, resilient Indy for everyone.

Here at Sana Place Indy, we see the impact every day—a warm meal, a safe bed, a supportive conversation can be the first step on a new path.

If you want to learn more about how your support changes lives, check out our youth stories at https://www.sanaplaceindy.org/our-voices-our-journey Our Voices, Our Journey

The need is urgent, but the solutions are within reach, especially if we all play our part. Let’s make sure every young person in Indy has a place to call home and a community that believes in them.

If you or someone you know needs help, visit https://www.sanaplaceindy.org/help Help Page for resources and next steps.