Facts about Homelessness

 
¯ In Maine, youth under age 18 make up 28.4% of the homeless population.
   
¯ Homeless youth are defined as individuals between the ages of 10 and 17 who are without permanent living arrangements.
   
¯ The most common causes for a youth to become homeless are family conflicts and physical/sexual abuse.
   
¯ It is estimated that 2.8 million youth run away in a given year.  Of these 500,000 - 1.5 million become homeless.
   
¯ Approximately 42.5% of residents in Maine shelters have not finished high school.