NYC Gazette

In New York City, adolescents without stable housing face significant challenges. Often referred to as "unaccompanied homeless youth" in official reports, these individuals are commonly known as "runaways." They navigate the city seeking basic necessities like food, clothing, and shelter. Meredith Dank, a clinical associate professor at the Marron Institute of Urban Management, has explored this issue in her study titled “Understanding the Needs of Unstably Housed Youth In New York City.” The research involved nearly 400 adolescents surveyed between December 2021 and July 2023.

The study reveals that these youths require various forms of support, including both short- and long-term housing with supportive services, legal aid, mental health counseling, crisis intervention services, and financial assistance. Many avoid city shelters due to safety concerns and instead resort to "couch surfing" or staying with relatives when possible.

"Youth may engage in unsafe behaviors to have their needs met," states the report. This includes exchanging sex for food or shelter or running drugs for money. The lack of affordable housing and youth employment opportunities further complicates their situation.

Dank's research highlights several factors prompting adolescents to leave home: emotional abuse (38%), conflicts with parents or guardians (29%), physical abuse (27%), lack of acceptance from parents (25%), and being kicked out (23%).

Displacement affects their ability to secure stable housing and employment. Many runaways struggle to access social services and often face risks such as sleeping unsheltered or staying with unsafe individuals.

Dank became interested in this field during her doctoral studies at CUNY while working on a project documenting commercial sexual exploitation among young people in New York City. Her findings suggest that almost half of the youth surveyed experienced human trafficking at least once.

To address these issues, the study recommends developmentally appropriate services that include economic aid and educational assistance. A proposed app aims to improve communication between youths and care providers by facilitating appointment reminders and document storage.

Dank is also exploring a pilot program involving runaways, service providers, and government stakeholders to build stability through long-term housing support.