Myth vs Fact

When people think about homelessness, they often picture someone sleeping on the streets.

While rough sleeping is one form of homelessness, the reality for many children and young people is very different.

Many experience hidden homelessness by staying with friends or relatives, moving between temporary accommodation or living somewhere they don’t feel safe or secure. Because these experiences are not always visible, many young people struggle without others realising what they are going through.

Understanding the reality of youth homelessness helps challenge stigma and ensures more children and young people get the support they need. Here are six common myths about youth homelessness and the facts behind them.

Myth 1: Homelessness only means sleeping rough

Fact: Most young people experiencing homelessness are hidden from view.

They may be sofa surfing, staying with extended family, moving between temporary accommodation or living in situations that are overcrowded or unsafe.

Hidden homelessness does not always look the way people expect.

What it can look like:

• Frequently moving between addresses.
• Avoiding conversations about home.
• Having nowhere to invite friends.
• Seeming tired, anxious or unsettled.

Myth 2: Young people choose to be homeless

Fact: Homelessness is rarely the result of one decision.

Young people can experience homelessness for many reasons, including family relationship breakdown, leaving care, domestic abuse, financial hardship and other complex circumstances beyond their control.

Every young person’s situation is different.

Myth 3: If a young person has somewhere to stay tonight, they are not homeless

Fact: Having somewhere to sleep for one night does not always mean a young person has a home.

Many spend weeks or months moving between friends’ houses or temporary accommodation without the safety and stability that every young person needs.

A home is more than a roof over your head. It is somewhere safe, secure and consistent.

Myth 4: Once someone has a home, the problem is solved

Fact: Finding accommodation is an important first step, but it is only part of the picture.

Many young people also need support with emotional wellbeing, education, employment, budgeting, independent living skills and building healthy relationships.

That is why support should focus on the whole person, not just their housing situation.

Myth 5: Homelessness only affects adults

Fact: Children and young people experience homelessness too.

The latest Northern Ireland Housing Executive figures show 4,837 children under the age of 18 were living in temporary accommodation in April 2026. These figures do not capture every child or young person experiencing homelessness. Many are living in hidden homelessness by sofa surfing, staying with friends or relatives, or living in insecure accommodation that never appears in official statistics.

Many continue attending school, college or work while experiencing housing insecurity, which is one reason homelessness can go unnoticed.

Myth 6: Asking for help is a sign of failure

Fact: Asking for help takes courage.

Whether it is speaking to a trusted adult, contacting a support service or asking for advice, reaching out can be the first step towards a safer and more stable future.

No young person should have to face homelessness alone.

Why challenging these myths matters

The way we talk about homelessness shapes how we respond to it.

If we only recognise homelessness when someone is sleeping rough, we risk overlooking children and young people who are living in unsafe or unstable situations.

By challenging common misconceptions, we can reduce stigma, recognise the signs earlier and help more young people access support before problems become more serious.

Worried about a young person?

If a young person you know is moving between addresses, seems unsettled or avoids talking about home, you do not need to have all the answers.

Simply checking in, listening and letting them know support is available could make a real difference.

How MACS can help

MACS supports children and young people across Northern Ireland through housing support, emotional wellbeing services and early intervention programmes.

Whether you are looking for support for yourself or someone you know, we are here to help.

Visit our Get Help page to learn more about our services or get in touch with our team.