Environmental Risks Among Youth Experiencing Homelessness: The Need for Justice

Abstract

Youth experiencing homelessness (YEH) face unique environmental injustices. Although the current environmental justice literature has recognized the impact of environmental risks on adults experiencing homelessness, there is a significant gap in understanding the distinct challenges faced by unaccompanied youth aged 14–24 years. Compared with adults, YEH are particularly vulnerable to health risks and the long-term consequences of homelessness. In this article, we argue that the environmental risks faced by YEH—such as inequitable access to clean air, food, water, and sanitation—will lead to adverse long-term health and quality-of-life outcomes. In addition, most YEH avoid services that might be available to them due to administrative, transportation, and financial barriers as well as a lack of trust, likely compounding their risks. This further underscores the need for environmental justice interventions to address the unique challenges faced by YEH. Some solutions for adults experiencing homelessness have been proposed, including public fountains and easily accessible restroom facilities, but solutions and their implementation for YEH remain unstudied. Future research and policy efforts that engage YEH as agents of social change are likely essential for the success of any potential solution. That is, the use of Community-Based Participatory Action Research principles can be useful in future efforts to understand and reduce health inequities. Recognizing the unique environmental injustices experienced by YEH is a first step toward creating a more equitable and inclusive approach to environmental policy and societal intervention that ensures the well-being of this vulnerable population.