Prereading Quiz: “Anyone Can Be Homeless”
Before you read “Anyone Can Be Homeless,” take this five-question quiz to find out how much you already know.
About how many Americans ages 13-17 are homeless and on their own each year?
An estimated 700,000 Americans ages 13-17 are homeless and on their own each year, according to government data. That number balloons to 4.2 million when people ages 18-25 are included.
What is the main reason that teens become unhoused on their own?
Conflict at home is the main reason teens become unhoused on their own. They are often fleeing abuse, neglect, domestic violence, or a parent’s addiction.
What does the term “couch surfing” mean?
“Couch surfing” means moving between temporary places, never staying in one spot for long. Many teens who are homeless and on their own end up “couch surfing.”
Which state has the highest percentage of unhoused students?
Of all 50 states, New York has the highest percentage of unhoused students—6.1 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Education. In West Virginia, 5.4 percent of students are unhoused. In Kansas, fewer than 2 percent of students are unhoused.
Why might some unhoused teens not get the help they need?
Some unhoused teens might not get the help they need because they are ashamed to tell anyone about their situation.