Patterns of Service Needs and Use by Subgroups of Youth Experiencing Homelessness

Service use predicts exit from homelessness and improvements in physical and mental health among youth experiencing homelessness (YEH). However, service use among YEH remains low. This study uniquely examined youths' reported needs and patterns of service use during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Baseline data were examined from a large opioid prevention project conducted in a midwestern, service-rich metropolitan area. YEH (n = 240), between the ages of 18-24 years, were recruited from a drop-in center and other non-service locations. Youth completed self-report questionnaires about their service needs and utilization over the prior three months.

The most common services YEH needed were housing (n = 233, 97.5%), drop-in center (n = 194, 81.2%), identification and birth certificates (n = 118, 49.6%), medical care (n=110, 46.0%), dental care (n = 106, 44.4%), employment counseling (n = 97, 40.6%) and mental health and emotional life counseling (n = 91, 38.1%). Most service needs were unfulfilled.

Youth showed extreme service need overall, but other than drop-in centers, the youth reported limited use of most services. The limited use of needed services underscores the importance of future efforts toward improving service use for those in need.