Youth homelessness may not be an issue that everyone is aware of. This is not a new phenomenon, congress passed the Runaway Youth Act in 1974 which authorized funding for youth shelters across the country. In 1980 the name of the act was changed to The Runaway Homeless Youth Act. In the United States over the course of a year 1 in 10 young adults ages 18-25, and at least one in 30 adolescents ages 13-17, experience some form of homelessness unaccompanied by a parent or guardian. ^[1]

Rural youth homelessness is just as prevalent as homelessness in urban areas. However, in rural areas, youth experiences of homelessness are more likely to be hidden, and these youth face unique challenges accessing education, jobs, services, and support. ^[2]

California has the highest number of homeless youth in the country with 5% of students experiencing homeless versus 2% nationally. Nationally 40% of homeless and runaway youth identify as LBGTQ, with family rejection being a contributing factor to their homelessness.

Butte County has both rural and urban areas, so youth homelessness looks different in different parts of the county. 6th Street Center for Youth and HEART strive to provide high-quality, culturally appropriate services to all homeless and runaway youth in Butte County, in order to make a lasting impact and end youth homelessness.