Numbers of Illinois Homeless Teens Increasing

By Scott Smith in News on Dec 14, 2005 2:53PM

According to a report released yesterday by the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, the number of Illinois homeless teens is on the rise.

In 2004, there were an estimated 25,000 homeless teens in Illinois. Approximately 31 percent of those youth were part of Chicago’s service area and account for approximately 7500 youth. These numbers represent an increase statewide but may be a decrease in the number of Chicago’s homeless youth as previous estimates have placed this number at about ten to twelve thousand (approximately two-thirds of all the youth surveyed were staying in a shelter at the time they were interviewed).

While the decrease is encouraging, it’s important to note that there are only two emergency youth shelters that exist within in the city of Chicago with space for less than 50 runaway and homeless youth. In general, runaway and homeless youth who are not associated with service providers are difficult to survey due to problems with self-identification and the transient nature of the population. Other homeless youth may be “doubling up” with relatives, residing in state-run facilities as wards of the state or living on the street.

Overall, 65 percent of homeless youth were female and 55 percent were African-American. Almost one-third of respondents said they left home due to family conflict and almost forty percent reported having one or more children. Julie Dworkin, policy director for the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, stated that services directed towards reducing teen pregnancy were sorely needed.

Yesterday various service providers throughout the state met to discuss the results of the study (full report here in PDF) and brainstorm ways to assist homeless youth. Breakout sessions during the conference addressed issues of housing, mental health, educational services, and prostitution as they pertain to runaway and homeless youth.

During the holiday and winter seasons, many people are looking to help those less fortunate in their community. If you’re interested in volunteering with or assisting local organizations that help the runaway and homeless youth communities, click the jump for a few options.

The Night Ministry
(773) 784-9000 x216
The National Runaway Switchboard
(773) 880-9860 x216
Youth Outreach Services
(773) 777-7112 x282
Young Women’s Empowerment Project
(773) 728-0127
Howard Brown Health Center
(773) 388-1600

Full disclosure: this writer works at an organization that assists runaway and homeless youth in the city of Chicago.