THE PROBLEM
YOUTH HOMELESSNESS IN CANADA IS A REALITY20% of Canada's homeless population consists of young people between the ages of 13 to 24, and up to 6,000 young people experience homelessness every night. Most of Canada's young homeless population gravitate to big cities, but homelessness also occurs in other communities - it's just less visible, and the problem starts early. 40% of homeless youth first experience homelessness before the age of 16. Youth homelessness in Canada has reached crisis proportions. Support MAIN MISSION to help change the game for homeless youth. |
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Trafficking can happen to anyoneSex trafficking is a growing crime in Canada. It is often under-reported, under-estimated and largely misunderstood. Essentially, sex trafficking is exploiting someone through force, fraud or coercion for another person's financial gain. As a multi-billion-dollar industry, it is more lucrative than guns or drugs - traffickers can make over $280,000 per year by controlling one victim. The average age of victims is 17, but they can be as young as 13, and as young as 8 for indigenous girls. This crime is affecting the lives of countless young women and girls in Canada. Over 30% of female youth who stay at Covenant House have been involved in some form of the sex industry, including trading sex for food. Support MAIN MISSION to help change the game for victims of sex trafficking. |
MANY YOUTH EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS FACE OTHER BARRIERS
Youth facing homelessness often face discrimination in addition to other trauma.
30% |
31% |
28% |
>50% |
>58% |
| of youth who are homeless identify as LGBTQ2S+ | identify as indigenous | identify as members of racialized communities | of homeless youth indicate that abuse at home contributed to homelessness | of homeless youth reported involvement with child welfare in the past |
Covenant House provides a safe space for youth who are homeless, trafficked or at risk.
Over the last decade, we have seen a shift. More young people are staying with us for longer periods of time. This is because the youth we serve are facing more complex challenges. In addition to abuse, neglect and family breakdown - more youth struggle with mental health, finding affordable housing and getting stable, meaningful jobs.
Homelessness and trafficking can happen to anyone. However young people who face additional barriers because of disability, sexuality or racial identity are often over-represented. And 59% of youth at Covenant House are from average and upper-income households. For them, the street appeared a safer option than staying at home.
These are some of the most vulnerable and some of the most resilient. With the right opportunities, they can build a better future.
6000-7000 |
85% |
42% |
>30% |
young people experience homelessness in our country every night |
of homeless youth have experienced a mental health crisis |
of homeless youth reported at least one suicide attempt |
of female youth who stay at Covenant House have been involved in some form of the sex industry, including sex for food |
The problems of homelessness and sex trafficking are long-standing and complex, so any response has to be as well.