Young adults from foster care or justice systems face significant challenges in securing housing, leading to higher risks of homelessness, as highlighted in a recent report. Those aging out of foster care often lack credit, rental history, and financial stability, echoing the struggles of many 18-year-olds seeking independence. However, these youths frequently grapple with past trauma and minimal adult support while searching for jobs and housing.
Andrea Graham, a transitional living services worker with Youth Homes, explains, “It’s a lot all at one time, and it can be really hard emotionally for kids to face this. I had a girl yesterday who just broke down and was like, ‘I just don’t want to be homeless.’”
Research by the University of Montana Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities, titled “Understanding Cycles of Housing Instability and Justice Involvement in Missoula County,” is part of the Just Home Project. Missoula County and housing nonprofit Homeword received a grant to devise local strategies against homelessness and justice system involvement. The project’s next phase targets housing solutions for transition-age youth, with funding contingent on the final report’s approval by the MacArthur Foundation.
DISPROPORTIONATE IMPACTS
The study reviewed data from 2018 to 2024, revealing that people experiencing homelessness are disproportionately involved in the justice system, making up 18% of jail bookings in 2023. Native Americans, despite being only 2% of Missoula’s population, represent 15% of the unhoused and 25% of those booked into jail.
Youths aged 17-24 are 10% of the homeless population, suggesting an undercount due to couch-surfing or staying with friends, as noted in the report. Additionally, young Native Americans face severe disparities, comprising 43% of those aged 18-25 booked in jail.
Substance use and mental health issues are root causes of behaviors leading to housing loss or arrests. The report identifies criminal records as barriers to housing, with other obstacles including poor credit, lack of rental history, and insufficient income or resources.
As Willard Alternative High School Principal Cameron Johnson states, “The cost of living in our communities is so high, for some kids, they can’t see beyond the ‘how do I help my family make rent, buy groceries, pay the power bill and make sure the internet and water stays on,’ let alone transitioning to their own housing.”
Missoula offers emergency shelters and transitional housing but lacks adequate mental health and substance use treatment, housing for those with criminal records, and culturally tailored services for Native Americans.
‘GIVE THEM A CHANCE’
Young adults leaving foster care often lack housing plans or support, facing barriers like no credit or rental history. Criminal justice involvement further complicates housing access. Graham notes that some resort to desperate measures, including theft or trading their bodies for shelter.
A few resources, like vouchers for foster youth or temporary housing support, exist, but emergency shelters for youth are limited. The Missoula Housing Authority administers the Foster Youth to Independence voucher program, with more vouchers available if needed.
Graham says that while some companies work with first-time renters, others require employment proof despite voucher availability, adding to the stress of job and housing searches.
Surveys of 37 youth aged 16-25, including Willard Alternative High School students, reveal that most have faced homelessness, with high housing costs and waitlists for vouchers as significant barriers. Many youths lack safe shelter options or knowledge of available support. They advocate for trusted adult guidance, lower housing costs, and increased access to resources.
FIGURING OUT WHAT’S NEXT
The report recommends expanding housing services for those involved in the justice system, creating youth-focused housing, advancing culturally appropriate programs, and reducing stigma. Homeword, focusing initially on youth, is exploring potential housing solutions for 18- to 25-year-olds. This includes identifying suitable land or structures for development.
Short-term goals involve setting up a youth service night as a “one-stop shop” for resources. Despite resource constraints, the community remains committed to addressing housing insecurity and justice system overlap.
Trujillo emphasizes, “Our communities are stronger when everyone has a place to live. It’s not going to be perfect every time, but at least we’re moving towards stable housing for everyone.”
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