11/18/2025
November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, established in 2007, As many as 2.5 million youth per year experience homelessness. Along with losing their home, community, friends, and sense of stability and safety, many homeless youth are also victims of trauma. While trying to survive on the streets, youth are exposed to countless dangers, with an increased likelihood of substance abuse, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and risk of being trafficked.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) has compiled a list of helpful resources, including age-related responses to trauma, for those affected by youth homelessness and for service providers, including mental health providers, child welfare workers, juvenile justice professionals, and policy makers.
November was first declared as National Homeless Youth Awareness Month in 2007.