ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A team of researchers, people working in the field of homeless solutions and young people who have experienced housing instability shared the findings of a recent research project as well as recommended solutions moving forward. The intent of the research project was to understand the severity of the problem and the circumstances that lead young people to experience housing instability, and to develop recommendations for elected officials to make positive and long-lasting investments to address the problems.
The study found that at any given time there are as many as 2,300 young people between the ages of 15 and 25 that are experiencing homelessness or housing instability in Bernalillo County alone. The reasons cited by young people include being kicked out of their homes, running away, domestic or family violence, eviction, substance use, and aging out of foster care.
Additionally, the study found:
• 63 percent of youth in qualitative interviews reported couch hopping, 54 percent reported staying on the streets, and 46 percent reported living in shelters; young people surveyed reported similar experiences
• 28 percent of youth surveyed describe their general health as poor or fair, 38 percent report having a physical disability or long-term health condition, and 38 percent say their mental health was NOT GOOD in the past 30 days.
• Ideal living situation – 54 percent of youth surveyed and 67 percent taking part in qualitative interviews want a small house or apartment with coordinated formal support
“This is the first time we’ve specifically studied young people and housing instability in Bernalillo County,” said Brooke Tafoya, CEO of New Day Youth & Families, and a member of the taskforce that conducted the study. “Armed with information, we have a pathway forward.”
The recommendations the collaborative is making to New Mexico’s elected officials:
• Establish a wellfunded comprehensive continuum of care services for young people that includes timely access to mental health and substance use treatment services.
• Develop comprehensive housing and supports plan that outlines specific types of housing and support that are needed to meet the developmental and individual needs of young people of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and work to align future funding opportunities with the missing pieces of the plan.
• Lead a coordinated “prevention first” approach and promote early engagement and intervention for youth and families in key public systems including education, child welfare, juvenile justice and behavioral health.
• Create a young adult shelter for young people ages 18-25.
• Decrease barriers to housing options by making housing vouchers for young people and their families easier to get and use and providing transitional support for young people exiting detention centers, jails, prisons and mental health facilities.
• Expand age-tailored rapid re-housing programs and permanent supportive housing programs.
• Enact legislation allowing unaccompanied minors to receive key services and supports and establish their own residences without parental or legal guardian consent.
“Now that we truly understand the depth of the problem and solutions, it’s time for us to act,” Tafoya added. “If we can end homelessness with young people now, it will break the cycle long-term.”
A full copy of the research document can be found at https://southwest.pire.org/ news/needs-assessment/