Project Overview

Pregnant youth, young mothers and their children experiencing homelessness face important risks and barriers for their health and well-being. The cumulative risks of youth pregnancy, youth homelessness and homelessness for young families make preventing homelessness for this subpopulation particularly important. The aim of this project is to investigate pathways to homelessness and out of homelessness for pregnant youth and young mothers between the ages of 16 and 24 in Montreal. The project uses in-depth interviews and focus groups to generate hypotheses for largerscale research. We will explore and map pathways, key turning points (KTPs) and identify potentially helpful interventions on their path into and during youth homelessness. Results will further our understanding of the points and types of interventions that may be most helpful to prevent homelessness and entrenchment for this particularly vulnerable population. It will also lay the groundwork for the future intervention research and support service planning.