Understanding Young Adults Experiencing Homelessness Through a Qualitative Approach

Author: Plitt Donaldson, Linda; McIntyre, Bonnie & Moore, Sarah

Abstract: This article presents a non-experimental, exploratory study of the experiences of unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness in Washington, DC. Using a community-based participatory action approach, researchers conducted open-ended survey interviews with 57 participants, all of whom identified as persons of color. Findings offer insight on where youth stay most evenings, what precipitated youths’ most recent experience of homelessness, strategies used to cope or survive on the streets, primary service needs, and advice from youth experiencing homelessness. The youth’s family experiences were an important factor in their experiences of homelessness. Implications for social work practice, policy, and research are discussed.

Keywords: homelessness and housing, adolescents/young adulthood, transition age youth, poverty, community-based participatory action