A Place 4 Me Releases The 2025 State of Youth Homelessness Report
The 2025 State of Youth Homelessness in Cuyahoga County
Each year, hundreds of young people across Cuyahoga County face housing instability or homelessness. A Place 4 Me’s 2025 State of Youth Homelessness Report offers a snapshot of youth homelessness in our community, the disparities embedded in our systems, and the community-driven efforts working to prevent and end youth and young adult homelessness.
About A Place 4 Me
A Place 4 Me is the trusted backbone organization leading the movement and changing the system to prevent and end youth and young adult homelessness in Cuyahoga County. We are committed to ensuring that every young person has access to safe, stable housing and the support needed to thrive.
From providing direct support through our Youth Navigation and Opportunity Passport® programs to coordinating community-wide strategies like the REACH Youth Action Board and the Youth Homelessness Membership Collaborative, we believe in building a future where youth homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring in Cuyahoga County.
What the Data Tells Us
The racial disparities revealed in this year’s report are stark. Black youth and young adults made up 84% of those experiencing homelessness, despite representing a much smaller share of the general population. Black young adults averaged 96 days in shelter and accounted for 71% of young adults reporting chronic homelessness. Even more concerning, 65% of Black youth exited to unknown destinations, and many returned to homelessness within six months—especially if they left shelters for temporary or unstable situations. A Place 4 Me recognizes the importance of using this data to advance equitable solutions and improve the experiences of young people in our community.
Key Highlights from the Report:
Disparities in the system: The data illustrates the compounding impact of systemic racism, poverty, and structural barriers that disproportionately affect youth of color. Black young adults not only experience longer episodes of homelessness, but also face more significant barriers to exiting homelessness permanently.
Youth-led solutions: The REACH Youth Action Board continues to lead with lived experience, helping shape programs, policies, and funding priorities that reflect the real needs of young people. Their leadership is central to our approach of "nothing about us without us."
Coordinated community response: Through initiatives like the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) and the REACHing for New Heights Coordinated Community Plan, we are building systems rooted in collaboration. These initiatives are making systemic change possible by aligning local organizations around shared goals and strategies with youth voice and leadership weaved throughout.
Direct services and impact: In 2024, A Place 4 Me provided Navigation Services to 493 youth and young adults. Of those served, 39% were parenting or expecting children, and 24% had experience in the foster care system. In addition, 118 youth participated in Opportunity Passport®, a matched savings and financial literacy program for youth with foster care experience.
We invite you to read the full report to explore the data, stories, and solutions shaping our collective path forward. We also encourage you to get involved by joining our Youth Homelessness Membership Collaborative!