Photo: Contributed

A national survey has found that 40 per cent of homeless youth say they were first homeless before they turned 16.

In any one year it's estimated 250 youth experience homelessness in Kelowna.

A Kelowna coalition created to address youth homelessness says progress is being made when it comes to addressing the gaps in the system and finding homes for young people.

Belinda Jackson, project co-ordinator for 'A Way Home Kelowna,' says the causes and conditions of youth homelessness differ significantly from that of adults.

“Youth have little experience living independently. They lack work experience and education, which makes it difficult to earn an income. In addition, they are undergoing significant developmental changes and are vulnerable to criminal exploitation," she said.

Established in tandem with the Journey Home process, the 'A Way Home Kelowna' initiative embeds a youth lens and youth voice into the Journey Home Strategy, recognizing the unique nature of youth homelessness and aiming to address the specific needs of youth who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of losing their home.

'A Way Home Kelowna' says it will focus on five specific strategies including: early intervention and prevention of youth homelessness, providing youth with access to housing choice and support, ensuring youth are supported through all transitions, addressing stigma on youth homelessness, and including youth in decision making in the journey towards ending homelessness in Kelowna.

For information on how you can get involved, learn more about the Journey Home Strategy or read the A Way Home Kelowna: YouthHomelessness Prevention Strategy please visit kelowna.ca/journeyhome.