Without A Home: The National Youth Homelessness Survey

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WANT TO SHARE
with Canadians about being a young
person in your living situation?
“When you see kids’… people we
are not scum. Geez, we are human
beings, too. You can’t judge a book
by its cover and you have no idea
what I’ve been through, reason why
I’m on the street, now maybe you
should just sit down and talk. Then
maybe you will realize why I am here
today.” MAN, 21
“Homelessness is not what
people think. You don’t
choose this life, but it is
a better one than before.”
WOMAN, 20
“If your child is struggling, don’t
throw them out or put down. Fucking
support them.” MAN, 17
“The system is not designed for
youth. It’s complicated and needs to
change.” WOMAN, 17
“I would just really emphasize
patience. Be patient with us.”
WOMAN, 19
“All could have been avoided if there
was more support. It’s starting now
and that’s good. When I aged out
I wasn’t told or made aware of any
programs.” WOMAN, 20
“Young people need more help
than people realize. This world has
changed so fast even we can’t keep
up and we’re the generation that was
expected to be able to.” MAN, 24
“There should be a standard of
service available in every province.
The system is broken and needs to be
fixed. Supports need to be available
for the whole family.” MAN, 17
“Not all of us are bad kids. Just made
some mistakes and never had a
proper family.” MAN, 20
“There has to be more
services available. More in
school services which would
make it easier. Also more
longer stay housing.” MAN, 18