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Youth Homelessness in Canada

Youth homelessness is a significant issue in the Lower Mainland and across Canada.

Here are some facts and stats regarding homeless youth in Canada:

  • 20% of Canada’s1 homeless population consists of young people between the ages of 13 and 242 
  • At least 6,000 young people experience homelessness every night2
  • 40% of homeless youth first experience homelessness before the age of 163
  • Over 50% of homeless youth indicated that abuse at home contributed to their homelessness3

Covenant House Vancouver is here to fight against youth homelessness, to support young people relentlessly, and to be a source of unconditional love and absolute respect.

At Covenant House Vancouver, we’re more than just a shelter or transitional housing. We offer a person-centered approach to addressing the needs of young people whose overlapping mental health, substance use, trauma, medical health, and other challenges require coordinated and specialized support.

Youth need a space that is psychologically, emotionally, and physically safe in order for them to feel like they belong. At Covenant House Vancouver, young people have a place to call home and a community that genuinely cares for them. This means that youth are getting the care they need when they need it.

  • Indigenous Youth

    We acknowledge with gratitude that Covenant House Vancouver’s work takes place on the traditional lands of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First […]

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  • 2SLGBTQAI+ Youth

    Covenant House Vancouver strives to be a safe and inclusive space for all youth Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, gender non-binary and two […]

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References

  1. Gaetz, S., Gulliver, T., & Richter, T. (2014). The State of Homelessness in Canada: 2014. Toronto: The Homeless Hub Press
  2. Gaetz, S., Dej, E., Richter, T., & Redman, M. (2016). The State of Homelessness in Canada 2016. Toronto: Canadian Observatory on Homelessness Press
  3. Gaetz, S., O’Grady, B., Kidd, S. and Schwan, K. (2016). Without a Home: The National Youth Homelessness Survey. Toronto: Canadian Observatory on Homelessness Press. Gaetz, S., O’Grady, B., Kidd, S. and Schwan, K. (2016). Without a Home: The National Youth Homelessness Survey. Toronto: Canadian Observatory on Homelessness Press.