Young adults experiencing homelessness or housing instability are at particularly high risk for developing a substance use disorder and experiencing challenges accessing care and support. Specifically, young adults experiencing homelessness or housing instability are more likely to use substances than their peers who are not homeless. It is estimated that 39 to 70 percent of young people experiencing homelessness misuse alcohol and other substances. Over 60 percent of youth who have run away from home due to a family crisis or other conflict, or who are experiencing homelessness, met lifetime criteria for a substance use disorder.

Targeted efforts that are culturally and linguistically relevant and respectful to individuals are necessary to ensure young adults experiencing homelessness have better access to the resources and supports they need to gain stability and safety. Integrating harm reduction strategies into social service programs, including programs serving young adults at risk or experiencing homelessness, is a critical strategy to prevent overdoses and improve child, youth, and family well-being. This brief provides information and resources about harm reduction services for young adults experiencing homelessness.