Understanding the differences between youth homelessness and adult homelessness is central to the success of a Youth Count. Understanding the differences within the population of youth experiencing homelessness is equally essential. Without this understanding, Youth Count organizers run the risk of undercounting specific populations or, problematically, failing to conduct the Youth Count in a safe and respectful way. The Canadian Definition of Youth Homeless, alongside an overarching definition of the issue, recognizes that the experiences of homeless youth are not homogenous:

In defining youth homelessness one must also consider the diversity of the population in terms of age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation and ethnicity. Much of the research on youth homelessness in Canada shows that males typically outnumber females 2:1. In addition, some ethno-racial populations tend to be over represented as a result of harassment and discrimination – most significantly, Indigenous youth, black youth and immigrants/migrants to Canada. Finally, a significant percentage of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ2S.  These differences matter because many young people are doubly or triply marginalized, not just because of their homelessness, but also due to racism, homophobia and transphobia.

– Excerpt from the Canadian Definition of Youth Homelessness (forthcoming)

Thus, as you develop your Youth Count Methodology, consider the following questions:

1. Are there groups of youth that are likely to be overrepresented among youth experiencing homelessness in your community?
2. Is your Youth Count methodology likely to capture the extent of these overrepresentations?
3. Are there aspects of your methodology that would discourage certain youth from participating or even cause you to miss them all together? 

Specific Populations

Homelessness varies across communities, including youth homelessness. Communities conducting a Youth Count will need to develop the methodology based on their local context. However, as noted in the Canadian Definition of Youth Homelessness, certain youth are consistently overrepresented among youth experiencing homelessness. In our effort to end youth homelessness, it is imperative that we understand these overrepresentations so that we can respond accordingly. Accurate enumeration of youth will help us to better understand the national composition of youth homelessness, while revealing local and regional differences.

The following section provides a brief overview of strategies to consider. It is neither an exhaustive list of youth subpopulations, nor a complete list of strategies to ensure representation. 

Helpful Resource COH Point-in-Time Count Toolkit: Fostering Indigenous Partnerships and Cultural Competency during your PiT Count

Spotlight: Indigenous Youth

While estimates vary, research suggests that Indigenous Peoples in Urban Centres are 8 times more likely than the general population to experience homelessness (Homeless Hub). Similarly, PiT Counts have affirmed that Indigenous Peoples are overrepresented across Canada. While there is less information on the percentage of Indigenous Youth that experience homelessness, it is likely that Indigenous Youth face a similar, if not greater, overrepresentation among youth experiencing homelessness. 

For more information:

• Social Planning and Research Council of Hamilton: Urban Indigenous Homelessness Survey
• Homeless Hub: Indigenous Homelessness in Canada: A Literature Review

“Given that Indigenous Peoples are both overrepresented and underserved – across Canada – Indigenous Peoples should be involved but more importantly, play a leadership role in any PiT Count. It is to the benefit of the entire community for Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups to work collaboratively throughout the process.” – Excerpt from the COH Point-in-Time Count Toolkit

Spotlight: LGBTQ2 Youth

LGBTQ2 Youth are overrepresented among youth experiencing homelessness, as LGBTQ youth make up 25-40% of the youth homeless population, compared to only 5-10% of the general population. LGBTQ homeless youth face distinct challenges when compared to heterosexual or cisgender homeless youth. Homophobia and transphobia result in systematic discrimination, yet shelters are not always cognizant of the challenges facing LGBTQ youth. The risks and barriers encountered by LGBTQ youth are different, and many of their needs are also unique. In addition to navigating the challenging terrain of youth homelessness, LGBTQ youth are often enduring significant social stigma and discrimination.  Consequently, LGBTQ homeless youth experience a significantly higher risk for suicide and mental health difficulties.

For more information:

•  National Learning Community on Youth Homelessness: LGBTQ2S Toolkit
•  Urban Institute: Youth Count! Process Study [pg. 28]

Spotlight: Newcomer Youth

There is not significant research on newcomer youth homelessness, however, it is evident that newcomer homelessness is prominent, both in adult and youth populations. Newcomers are at risk of homelessness due to several factors, including poverty, discrimination, cuts to social programs, unrecognized foreign employment and educational credentials, delays in work permits and mental illness. Newcomers face specific challenges that are not always easily accommodated by service providers, due to language and/or cultural barriers. Shelter and drop-in staff require particular skills to settle newcomers, yet they often lack the necessary resources and the extra time needed to provide sufficient accommodation.

For more information:

• Canadian Issues: Newcomers Experiences of Housing and Homelessness in Canada
• Homeless Hub Topics: Newcomers

Spotlight: Racialized Youth

Structural social inequalities experienced by racialized youth can contribute to an increased risk of homelessness. Racism and discrimination negatively impact employment opportunities, which can lead to poverty and loss of housing. Furthermore, disproportionate rates of incarceration, higher drop out rates for education, barriers to employment, and denial and discrimination in seeking government assistance all lead to homelessness for people from racialized communities.

For more information:

• Homeless Hub Topics: Racialized Communities
• Homelessness Among Caribbean Youth Aged 15-25

Do not assume that an overrepresented group will be accurately enumerated through your Youth Count. Youth, who face multiple levels of discrimination and harassment, are less likely to be connected to traditional youth-serving agencies, often out of fear and/or distrust of the system. Further, groups that are frequently targeted by police or victimized by other youth may go to great lengths to remain hidden on the street. Increased vulnerability can lead to decreased visibility, thus making marginalized groups more difficult to find, enumerate and survey.

Throughout every step of your count, you must consider how to accurately represent your entire homeless youth population. The table below provides strategies for partnership and effective engagement, two essential principles for a successful Youth Count.

Communities must decide which subpopulations to focus on – the strategies within this table are broadly applicable – but, at a minimum, the COH strongly encourages all communities to consider the unique experiences of Indigenous, LGBTQ2, newcomer and racialized youth.

TABLE 3. ENSURING ACCURATE REPRESENTATION OF YOUTH

Key Elements of the Count	Strategies for Partnership & Effective Engagement
Youth Count Leadership	Consider which groups are overrepresented in your youth homelessness population and ensure that your Youth Count Committee can represent the range of youth experiences in your community.
Youth Count Partners	Effective stakeholder engagement is central to a successful Youth Count. Partners that work specifically with subpopulations of youth can provide a wealth of information on where to find youth, how best to approach them and how their experiences could affect their perception and willingness to participate in the count.
Youth Engagement	Where possible, your Youth Subcommittee should be representative of the youth experiencing homelessness in your community. Do not expect one youth to speak to the experiences of all youth from a similar background. As you form your Youth Subcommittee consider the gender, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, immigration status and family circumstance of the members.
Where to Count	Work with your Youth Count Partners and your Youth Subcommittee to understand where youth are likely to be found. Recognize that some youth may avoid popular areas (libraries, schools, shelters, drop-ins). Develop alternate strategies – such as magnet events - to engage less visible youth.
What to Ask	All youth, regardless of their backgrounds, circumstances or experiences should feel respected and safe during the Youth Count. It is especially important that the Youth Count Survey is delivered in a non-judgemental way. Work with your Youth Count partners and Youth Subcommittee to ensure that your survey questions are well designed and respectfully worded. While the Youth Count Survey should be minimally invasive, do not shy away from asking personal information such as sexual identity and immigration status. This data is crucial in an effort to end youth homelessness.
Volunteer Recruitment	Recruit volunteers from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Again, building strong partnerships with a range of Youth Count Partners will bolster this effort.  Encourage your partners to circulate information about the count through their own networks.
Volunteer Training	Volunteer training provides an opportunity to inform the public about youth homelessness, including the distinct experiences of youth among the population. You should help volunteers to understand the importance of creating a safe and respectful environment for youth. It is particularly important that you train volunteers to deliver the Youth Count Survey using a neutral, non-judgemental approach.
Communicating Results	Once the Youth Count is complete, be prepared to share the results with a range of stakeholders – those beyond your Youth Count Partners. Think carefully about how to portray any overrepresentations within your results; help readers to understand the issues that drive youth homelessness generally but also discuss the additional barriers that some youth face.

Building Alignment: Tips & Strategies

Work with your general PiT Count organizers to identify which strategies they have in place to ensure accurate and respectful enumeration of your target populations (e.g. Indigenous Peoples, LGBTQ2). The strategies in Table 2 are not limited to Youth Counts, and general PiT Counts will benefit from many of the same strategies. In some communities, strategies may be established and highly effective. In other communities, further work may be required.