Life on the Streets: Homeless Youth in Seattle

Homelessness affects nearly 3.5 million Americans each year and 34% of the entire homeless population is under the age of 24. Homeless youth are often a forgotten part of our communities and service populations. Not only does homelessness affect a person’s physical surroundings, but it also has psychological, emotional, and spiritual effects.

This winter quarter, SPU was proud to host Tent City 3, an encampment area that provides free housing, food, and job and travel opportunities. Mary Steele, the executive director at New Horizons Ministries, a Christian organization that partners with youth to exit street life, and Dr. Joshua Aaron Ginzer, a psychologist, shared with us stories about the true effects of homelessness as well as a window into the lives of homeless young people in our city.

Watch their talk here.