The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defines homelessness through four categories. While only Category 3 specifically mentions youth, young people ages 24 and under can — and frequently do — qualify under any of the four categories. Understanding these definitions matters because they determine who is eligible for federally funded housing assistance through Tennessee’s Continuums of Care.
An individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence — living in a place not meant for human habitation (car, park, sidewalk, abandoned building), in an emergency shelter or transitional housing, or exiting an institution where they stayed 90 days or less and were homeless before entering.
Example: A 20-year-old sleeping in his car after his family was evicted meets Category 1.
An individual or family who will lose their primary nighttime residence within 14 days, has no subsequent residence identified, and lacks the resources or support networks to obtain other permanent housing.
Example: A 19-year-old told by a relative she must leave within two weeks, with no other safe place and no resources to secure housing.
The only category that specifically names youth. Covers unaccompanied youth under 25 who are defined as homeless under other federal statutes (McKinney-Vento Act), have not had a lease in permanent housing during the 60 days before applying, have experienced two or more moves in 60 days, and can be expected to continue in such status.
Example: A 22-year-old couch-surfing between friends’ apartments with a disability preventing steady employment.
YHDP Note: Communities can use up to 10% of their YHDP funding to serve Category 3 youth when documented in their Coordinated Community Plan.
Fleeing Domestic Violence Any individual or family fleeing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or other dangerous or life-threatening conditions — including family conflict that has caused a youth to feel physically or emotionally unsafe — who has no other residence and lacks resources for permanent housing.
Example: An 18-year-old who left home due to physical abuse, has no other family, and cannot afford housing.
Any individual or family fleeing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or other dangerous or life-threatening conditions — including family conflict that has caused a youth to feel physically or emotionally unsafe — who has no other residence and lacks resources for permanent housing.
Example: An 18-year-old who left home due to physical abuse, has no other family, and cannot afford housing.
Other Key Federal Definitions
In the 2024 national PIT Count, approximately 38,000 unaccompanied youth were counted experiencing homelessness — a 10% increase. Tennessee was one of only a few states that saw a decrease in overall homelessness, but challenges remain for youth. In Southeast Tennessee (TN-500), the Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition reported a 35% decrease in youth homelessness between 2024 and 2025, with homeless youth ages 18–24 dropping from 81 to 53 — attributed to targeted YHDP investments. Three Tennessee CoCs have been awarded YHDP funding: TN-500 (Chattanooga), TN-501 (Memphis/Shelby), and TN-507 (Jackson/West TN).
Family & Relationship:
Conflict, abuse, neglect, rejection. LGBTQIA+ youth face especially high rates of family rejection. Parental substance use, mental health crises, and incarceration also destabilize families.
System Involvement:
Youth aging out of foster care at 18 face abrupt loss of housing and support. Youth exiting juvenile justice face similar barriers.
Economic:
Poverty, lack of affordable housing, unemployment. In Hamilton County a person must earn over $27/hour to afford a two-bedroom apartment.
Systemic:
Insufficient mental health care access, safety net gaps, and the narrow federal definition all contribute.
LGBTQIA+ Youth:
Up to 40% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQIA+, despite being only 7–10% of the general youth population. Family rejection is the leading cause.
BIPOC Youth:
Black, Indigenous, and other youth of color experience homelessness at disproportionate rates due to systemic racism in housing, education, and employment.
Foster Care Youth:
An estimated 20%+ of youth aging out of foster care experience homelessness — one of the most predictable pathways.
Pregnant & Parenting Youth:
Need safe housing for children, prenatal care, childcare, and financial support. YHDP identifies them as a priority population.
Young people who have experienced homelessness understand the gaps, barriers, and realities in ways no data set can capture. When youth are meaningfully involved in designing and evaluating programs, services become more accessible and effective. HUD requires every YHDP community to include a Youth Action Board — because youth voice is not optional. It is essential.
If you are a young person experiencing homelessness or housing instability in Tennessee — reach out to your local Coordinated Entry System or call 2-1-1. You deserve support.
