There’s still time to have your donation tripled! Donate by Dec. 31

Learn more

Youth Homelessness in Canada

Youth homelessness is a significant issue in the Lower Mainland and across Canada.

According to the 2023 Homeless Count in Greater Vancouver:

  • 8% of the homeless population consists of young people under the age of 25 
  • 47% experienced homelessness for the first time as a youth (under 25)

According to Coming of Age, Reimaging the Response to Youth Homelessness in Canada:

  • At least 6,000 young people experience homelessness every night
  • 25-40% of youth experiencing homelessness self-identified as LGBTQ
  • Over 50% of homeless youth indicated that abuse at home contributed to their homelessness
  • A lack of affordable housing and low incomes have led to more youth staying or returning home

Covenant House Vancouver is here to fight against youth homelessness, to support young people relentlessly, and to be a source of unconditional love and absolute respect.

At Covenant House Vancouver, we’re more than just a shelter or transitional housing. We offer a person-centered approach to addressing the needs of young people whose overlapping mental health, substance use, trauma, medical health, and other challenges require coordinated and specialized support.

Youth need a space that is psychologically, emotionally, and physically safe in order for them to feel like they belong. At Covenant House Vancouver, young people have a place to call home and a community that genuinely cares for them. This means that youth are getting the care they need when they need it.

  • Indigenous Youth

    We acknowledge with gratitude that Covenant House Vancouver’s work takes place on the traditional lands of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First […]

    Learn More

  • 2SLGBTQAI+ Youth

    Covenant House Vancouver strives to be a safe and inclusive space for all youth Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, gender non-binary and two […]

    Learn More

References

  1. Gaetz, S., Gulliver, T., & Richter, T. (2014). The State of Homelessness in Canada: 2014. Toronto: The Homeless Hub Press
  2. Gaetz, S., Dej, E., Richter, T., & Redman, M. (2016). The State of Homelessness in Canada 2016. Toronto: Canadian Observatory on Homelessness Press
  3. Gaetz, S., O’Grady, B., Kidd, S. and Schwan, K. (2016). Without a Home: The National Youth Homelessness Survey. Toronto: Canadian Observatory on Homelessness Press. Gaetz, S., O’Grady, B., Kidd, S. and Schwan, K. (2016). Without a Home: The National Youth Homelessness Survey. Toronto: Canadian Observatory on Homelessness Press.