Youth Homelessness: A Socioeconomic Phenomenon

First and foremost it is important to establish that child homelessness is different from youth homelessness. Youth homelessness refers to individuals aged between 13 and 24 who are living separately from a caretaker or guardian, and who have no stable, safe and reliable residence. The ages that fit in the category of youth homelessness vary across countries and federal agencies. These individuals lack social supports considered a necessity for a safe and nurturing transition from childhood to adulthood. Moreover, there are other terms widely used for the homeless youth, such as- ‘street kids’, ‘street youth’, and ‘runaways’.

Those who classify under youth homelessness may live temporarily in shared rooms, hostels, motels, with their friends, or in fact, commonly, on the streets. The very fact that their living space is so unstable and not permanent is what makes them be characterized as homeless youth.

Causes of youth homelessness often stem back to some sort of family conflicts however there are other contributing factors such as financial circumstances, mental health, abuse, and in a lot of cases, substance use disorders. Homeless youth have experienced some sort of trauma before homelessness and mostly suffer afterwards as well as becoming vulnerable to acts such as sex trafficking and other sorts of abuse. In addition, youth belonging to the LGBTQ community, pregnant and parenting youth and youth with disabilities and special needs are amongst those who are more likely to suffer from homelessness.

Risks of homelessness include crimes, violence, trafficking and abuse. Moreover, the risk of contracting diseases like HIV and AIDS is relatively higher. Those seeking some sort of space to sleep often have to offer themselves sexually in order to receive shelter, food or any other need. Their vulnerability makes them an easy target for predators.

In Pakistan particularly, there is an estimate of 1.5 million youth who are suffering from homelessness. A country where poverty is prevalent, complex social issues like youth homelessness is common. Rana Asif, almost 7 years ago, set up an NGO by the name of ‘Initiator’ to tackle this issue. In a survey conducted by the NGO, it was deduced that 66 per cent of homeless youth experienced some sort of abuse and hence classified as ‘runaways’. Furthermore, Asif stated that in cities like Karachi, powerful parties gain financially by keeping such a large number of children on the streets and mafia exploit the homeless youth by forcing them to beg and steal. The work that this NGO is doing to deal with this issue is spectacular and highly commendable. Check out more about them here

In 2018, Prime Minister, Imran Khan at groundbreaking ceremony announced his Panah-Gah Project in Lahore. “Shelter Home is a step forward toward establishing Medina-like welfare state in the country. The government will soon launch a comprehensive poverty alleviation program,” Prime Minister said. He plans on building shelter homes in major cities affected by youth homelessness such as Lahore, Rawalpindi, Karachi and Peshawar. In Lahore alone, 5 sites have been allocated for the construction of shelter homes, each of which has the capacity to handle 100 individuals.

The state intends on broadening its social responsibility hence the restoration of respect for homeless people who spend their nights under the open sky, vulnerable to all sorts of horrible acts, is of prime importance. Imran Khan, inspired by policies introduced by the UAE and Saudi Arabia to cater to its citizens, longs to establish Pakistan as a social welfare model state among the Muslim world.

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