Youth homelessness is reaching critical levels across the country. The rising number of young people without a stable home reflects a societal crisis – one that deepens the disadvantage many already face. This growing trend risks creating lasting barriers for a generation already facing unprecedented challenges.
How are young people becoming homeless?
Family breakdown and abuse
A significant number of young people experiencing homelessness (around 80%) cite family conflict or breakdown as the primary reason for leaving home. This can involve issues like divorce, abuse, neglect, or domestic violence.
Financial hardship and soaring living costs
With 4.5 million children living in poverty, many young people experience hardship before they leave home. Financial stress can put strain on family relationships. And issues like overcrowding and stretched budgets can push young people out before they’re ready. Struggling families are unable to offer practical support – such as help with rent deposits. Leaving young people at greater risk of instability.
In addition, systemic issues – such as the lower rate of housing benefit, Universal Credit, and wages for under 25s unfairly penalise young people at a time when they need the most help.
Lack of mental-health care and support services
Mental health conditions can make it much harder for a young person to cope with everyday challenges. With fewer support services available, many young people affected by their mental health struggle to access the help they need. And support to stay in education, maintain relationships, and feel connected to those around them.
Care leavers and vulnerable groups
Young people leaving the care system often lack the support and resources needed to transition into independent living, making them more susceptible to homelessness. Read more about leaving the care system in our interview with Chris Wild.
Lack of affordable housing
The shortage of social housing is a national issue. But it places an even greater strain on young people trying to find a stable start. With lower incomes, social housing is often their only realistic option, especially as private sector rents continue to rise. With the average rent in England now £1,394, young people are often forced into HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation). Which can be completely unsuitable – particularly for those with poor mental health or specific support needs.
We stand with young people
A significant number of the 3,000 people we support each year are under 25. Young people at risk of slipping into a cycle of homelessness that can be incredibly hard to break.
What they need is systemic change: better access to housing, stronger social safety nets, and more support for mental health and employment.
While we can’t fix the system alone, our timely, tailored grants provide a vital boost – helping young people take a step towards the future they want.
Feedback from the frontline
Support workers in homelessness schemes play a vital role in identifying where our small grants can make a meaningful difference. Through the relationships they build, they come to understand what matters most to each person – what motivates them, what makes them feel seen and valued, and what could truly help at this stage in their journey.
Their knowledge of available funding means they can help the people they support recognise what they’re entitled to – something many don’t realise is out there.
Often, young people know where they want to be in life, but not how to get there. That’s where support workers step in: guiding them, encouraging them, and helping them apply for something practical that could open a door or build confidence.
“I came to The Powerhouse at 16 as a looked-after child, with nothing to take into adult life – no ID, no driving licence, nothing to help me move forward. That’s why Church Homeless Charity funding is so important – it’s small things that really make a difference. The young people will always remember that someone believed in them enough to give them that start.”
Lloyd Medland – Support Worker at The Powerhouse Liverpool
“We love the funding from Church Homeless Charity – it makes such a difference. Getting photo IDs for young people is such an important step. For many of the women we support, self-worth is at rock bottom. It’s heartbreaking. But something as simple as seeing their own face on an ID – it gives them the confidence to do everyday things.
CHC also helps fund our social inclusion activities, which are vital. We used funding for a barber visit recently, and it was amazing to see the guys coming out feeling confident and even engaging with others outside their usual groups.There’s so much anxiety and poor mental health here, and building a sense of community is tough.
But with support like this, we’re helping them to start believing in themselves.”
Regina Sweeney – Support Worker at Cambridge Youth Foyer
“When we receive funding, it makes a huge difference – and you can see it in their faces. I remember one young lad who received funding for clothes and shoes. When we applied, he told us he only had the clothes on his back. Some young people arrive here with just a carrier bag of belongings.
So when they get the chance to choose something fashionable, something that helps them fit in with other young people, it means everything. It gives them confidence, and a bit of pride.”
Elisabeth (Liz) Swindells – Shaw Street, Everton