Experience of Homelessness Discrimination Among Emerging Adults: A Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis

Abstract

The goal of the current study was to describe the experiences of discrimination based on homelessness among youth between the ages of 18 and 24 using both quantitative and qualitative data. Pilot data were collected on 85 homeless emerging adults in New York City recruited at drop-in centers and residential shelters. Quantitative results show the majority of the sample (81%) experienced at least one instance of homelessness discrimination in the past year. Over half the sample felt like others treated them as mentally inferior because of their homelessness, labeling them as crazy, irresponsible, and lazy. Additionally, nearly a third felt like they were ignored and/or treated unfairly by police officers and service providers. Qualitative data are used to supplement these results by detailing specific discriminatory experiences. Written responses about specific incidents reveal that youth feel dehumanized by friends and family as well as service providers and random people based on their homelessness. Results are discussed in the context of the unique challenges and universal developmental changes faced by this vulnerable population.