Asking the Big Questions: Understanding Youth Homelessness

Youth homelessness is often misunderstood. While public perceptions tend to associate homelessness with rough sleeping, many young people actually experience what is known as ‘hidden homelessness’ - moving between friends' sofas, temporary accommodation, and other unstable living arrangements that often go unseen.

Behind every young person experiencing homelessness is a unique story. Family breakdown, poverty, trauma, abuse, mental health challenges and a lack of support can all contribute to a young person losing the stability and security of a place to call home. According to the Youth Homelessness Databank, an estimated 123,934 young people aged 16 to 24 experienced or were at risk of homelessness in the UK between 2024 and 2025.

In this episode of Asking the Big Questions, Tylene McFarlane from YMCA London City and North shares her insights into the realities of youth homelessness, challenging common misconceptions and exploring what young people need to rebuild their lives. Responding to some of the most frequently asked questions online, Tylene sheds light on the complex issues behind youth homelessness and the support that can make a lasting difference.

Benefact Trust has funded YMCA London City and North to support its work tackling gang culture and homelessness among young people.

Why do young people become homeless?

One of the biggest misconceptions about youth homelessness is that there is a single cause. According to Tylene, homelessness is rarely the result of one event. Instead, it is often the combination of multiple challenges that create instability in a young person's life.

Family conflict, abuse, poverty, trauma and mental health difficulties can all contribute to someone losing their home. For some, there is simply not enough support available when things begin to go wrong.

This reflects the wider national picture. While family breakdown is the most commonly reported cause of youth homelessness, no two journeys into homelessness are the same. Many young people face several overlapping challenges at once, making it difficult to identify a single reason why they’ve lost their home.

“People often forget that life circumstances can create a large amount of instability in some people's lives.”

Understanding these underlying causes is vital if we want to respond with compassion rather than judgement.

To explore the wider causes of homelessness affecting people of all ages, read our article on homelessness in the UK.

What role do gangs and knife crime play in youth homelessness?

Many people assume that young people become homeless because they’re involved in gangs. In reality, Tylene explains that the opposite is often true. Young people may be forced to leave their homes because of gang violence, threats or concerns for their safety. Others become vulnerable to grooming after becoming homeless.

Without stable housing, support networks or a sense of security, young people can become easy targets for those seeking to exploit them. This highlights the importance of charities like YMCA, who are trying to reach young people most at risk.

What are the biggest misconceptions about homeless young people?

Negative stereotypes continue to shape public perceptions of youth homelessness. One common misconception is that young people choose to be homeless. Tylene strongly disagrees with this idea.

“Nobody wakes up and wants to be homeless.”

Another misconception is that homeless young people are automatically involved in crime or gang activity. In Tylene’s experience, many young people are focused on building a better future. They are looking for jobs, studying, and building independent lives whilst trying to overcome incredibly difficult circumstances and the uncertainty of not having a stable home.

By challenging these stereotypes and providing active support, we can create a more understanding and supportive society.

How can we help youth homelessness?

While direct support for individuals can make a difference, Tylene emphasises the importance of strengthening the wider systems that support young people.

At YMCA London City and North, this means providing more than just supported housing. Young people are supported to build confidence, develop life skills, access education and employment opportunities, and work towards long-term independence. It’s this combination of practical support, stable accommodation and trusted relationships that helps young people move forwards.

Supporting charities, volunteering, mentoring and advocating for better opportunities can all play a part. Small actions can have a significant impact when they contribute to stronger networks of support.

Whether it's giving time to a local charity, supporting organisations that provide housing and guidance, or helping a young person develop confidence and skills, every contribution matters.

“Something as small as that can make the biggest difference.”

Watch the full video

Watch the full episode of Asking the Big Questions about youth homelessness.

If you're interested in the wider causes of homelessness, explore Asking the Big Questions: Homelessness in the UK and Asking the Big Questions: Addiction and Homelessness.

You can also watch more episodes of Asking the Big Questions, where charities supported by Benefact Trust share their expertise on the issues affecting communities across the UK.