Somerville Homeless Youth Count to Reveal Scope of Problem

SOMERVILLE, MA -The Somerville-Arlington Continuums of Care (CoC) will team up with state agencies to perform the third annual count of homeless youth living in the area.

The count will look at demographics, housing status and story the stories of youth without stable housing, the town reported.

"Nationally and locally there is a lack of comprehensive information about homeless youth. But an effort is underway to gain a clearer understanding of the demographics, housing status, and story of youth without a stable place to stay on any given night in area communities including Somerville," the Town of Somerville wrote in a statement.

The Commission defines an unaccompanied homeless youth as a person 24 years of age or younger who is not in the physical custody or care of a parent or legal guardian, and who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.

In 2014, 24 youth in Somerville met the Commission’s definition of homeless, 18 youth met HUD’s definition of homeless, and 9 youth were potentially experiencing risk, the Town of Somerville reported.

Youths with unstable housing can take an online survey HERE>>

For more information about the count, please contact Kelly Donato at 617-625-6600 x2560 or at kdonato@somervillema.gov.

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