The number of young people, especially adolescent boys, between the ages of 16 and 18 who are homeless is more widespread than people would like to believe because they’re generally the hidden homeless as they couch surf but many are falling through the cracks and not getting.
U-N-B researchers talked to homeless teens in Fredericton. PhD student Julie Wershler says they tend to leave abusive situations at home only to find themselves in bad situations on the streets.
Wershler says they also are at higher risk of dropping out of school which doesn’t bode well for their future as well as being exploited in order to have a roof over their heads and be fed. They are also are at higher risk of getting sick.
The Saint John homeless shelter for young people is generally filled each night.
