Homelessness Among Young Adults in Washington, D.C.: A Qualitative Study

Background and Purpose: Young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 are among the ‘invisible’ population of people who are homeless. Despite their inner resilience and resourcefulness, most lack the anchors of a stable network of family and friends to help navigate the vulnerable period of emerging adulthood (18 – 24). The 2015 point-in-time survey counted 1,215 transition-age youth, of which 201 were unaccompanied by other family members. In Fall 2016, a faculty member and students from the Catholic University interviewed 57 young adults who are homeless or living in unstable housing in Washington, D.C. The purpose of the study was to better understand the precipitating factors and current experiences of their homelessness, as well as to learn about the specific services that would best support them in getting off the streets and/or into stable housing.

Methods: A qualitative methodology was used to explore three core domains of the homeless experience of young adults: current experiences, coping/survival strategies, and survival needs. Our community partner, a homeless street outreach provider, trained the data collection team in identifying and approaching young adults who are homeless; 27 participants were recruited from street locations. Thirty-four participants were recruited with support from a local agency that runs an evening and daytime drop-in center for young adults who are homeless. Participants were given $10 gift cards as a ‘thank you’ for their participation. Demographic information related to age, sexual orientation, parenthood, history of foster care and incarceration were also collected. The data collection team used a semi-structured interview guide to conduct the interviews. Descriptive statistics were used to report on the demographic data of the participants. Qualitative data was analyzed through a series of meetings where themes were identified and reconciled among two senior members of the team.

Results: Findings from this study show that the 33% of participants sleep on the streets most evenings, followed by shelter (18%), living pillar to post with friends and family (18%), or sleeping in abandoned buildings (4%). Nearly all participants (96%) experienced very challenging family situations whose stressors appeared to be exacerbated by poverty. Coping strategies included relying on family/friends (40%), social services (32%), self (28%), and faith/spirituality (19%). Housing and employment were the two resources identified as “most important” to helping young adults get off the streets and into stable situations, with each of those identified by 68% and 33% of young adults respectively.

Conclusions and Implications: Many of the young adults who participated in this study observed that very few social services or housing resources are designed to help people in their age group. Therefore, findings from this study point to the need for investments in culturally and developmentally-appropriate services for young adults, especially in housing, employment, education, and other social supports. Findings also show the importance of quality services and supports needed for young adults transitioning from foster care or the criminal justice system; effectiveness studies on Critical Time Intervention with this population is an important area for social work research.