While few studies have identified predictors of exiting homelessness among adults, even fewer studies have attempted to identify
these predictors among homeless youth. The current study explored predictors of change in homelessness among 180 homeless
youth between the ages of 14 and 22, recruited through an urban drop-in center. All youth were assessed at baseline, 3 and
6 months. The sample included 118 males and the reported ethnicity included Latino (
n = 54), Anglo (
n = 73), Native American (
n = 24), African American (
n = 6) and mixed ethnicity or “other” (
n = 23). Four distinct patterns of change in homelessness were identified among youth which included those who (1) had fairly
low rates of homelessness at each follow-up point, (2) started in the mid-range of homelessness, increased at 3 months and
sharply declined at 6-months (MHL), (3) reported high rates of homelessness at baseline and low rates at each follow-up point
(HLL), and finally, (4) remained consistently homeless across time (HMH). These patterns of change were most strongly predicted
by social connections and engagement in HIV risk behaviors. The findings from this study suggest that developing trust and
linkages between homeless youth and service providers may be a more powerful immediate target of intervention than targeting
child abuse issues, substance use and mental health problems.
Keywords Homeless youth - Exiting homelessness - Adolescence