1. Argument For:
1.1. Fifty percent of chronically homeless adults were once homeless youth. If we provide adequate services when they are young, we can stem the tide of chronic homelessness (CCY, 2017).
1.1.1. The trauma of youth homelessness is pervasive and has significant impacts on youth and their mental health. Approximately thirty percent of people experiencing homelessness are younger than twenty-four. Risk factors for youth homelessness are similar to those of adults, including substance use, mental health issues, poverty, low educational attainment or opportunity, poverty, and family conflict. (SAMHSA, 2019)
1.1.2. Unaccompanied youth have a difficult time securing places to stay or locating independent housing. This makes them increasingly vulnerable to exploitation and assault. LGBTQIA+ youth are even more vulnerable to these factors (SAMHSA, 2019).
1.1.3. Rural youth homelessness, like that of Nevada County, CA is unique in that it is less visible than that of urban environments. It is largely characterized by “couch surfing”, or homeless youth finding refuge with friends, extended family, or neighbors. Since this type of homelessness and housing instability qualifies under McKinney-Vento, but not under HUD standards, it causes homeless youth in these areas to be less visible and more difficult to serve than urban youth homelessness (USDHHS, 2011).
2. Stakeholders
2.1. Youth and families experiencing homelessness
3. Stakeholders
3.1. Communities and community members
4. The Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA) acknowledges the critical needs of youth who have become homeless or who have left home for a variety of reasons. The RHYA states that homeless and runaway youth are disproportionately affected by trauma, as well as mental and physical health issues. Essential services, including shelter, case management, positive youth development, life skills, and aftercare services are necessary to adequately support the needs of this population (FYSB, 2018; NN4Y, 2013).
5. The Homeless Youth Act of 2018 aims to promote service systems integration to better meet the needs of youth experiencing homelessness across the state. California is home to 31% of the nation's youth experiencing homelessness. Two-thirds of California's 58 counties lack essential services for youth experiencing homelessness, including drop-in centers, shelters, and transitional housing for youth ages 12-24 years old (CA State Legis., 2018).
6. Argument Against:
6.1. Homeless services in neighborhoods affect "quality of life" of individuals living in those communities.
6.1.1. Homelessness brings crime and devalues properties. Providing more services encourages homeless people to congregate.
6.1.1.1. Homeless people use drugs and steal from hardworking citizens. Drug paraphenia is often found on sidewalks, parks, and other public spaces (Mac Donald, 2019).
6.1.1.2. Shelters and services should not be place near schools or other community services as they encourage crime and put children at risk (Coburn, 2015).
6.1.1.3. Property values decrease with shelters and supportive housing. Allowing shelters to be built considerably lowers home prices in the area (Paybarah, 2019).