The state of New Mexico has conducted a study of youth homelessness in Albuquerque, a recent KOB 4 news report said.
"This is groundbreaking for our state and our community to have this kind of data," Carol Pierce, Family Services Department director for the City of Albuquerque, told KOB 4. "Trauma is really the common denominator. If you look at people in the population who are unhoused."
The first step in addressing the problem is to determine the number of homeless people are on the streets of New Mexico, the report said. In order to provide an estimate of that number, the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department began a study to determine the number within Bernalillo County.
Albuquerque officials believe the study will be helpful in understanding the issue as well as provide the City insight into exactly how many young people are homeless. Going through the data will take time, however.
Researchers surveyed 300 homeless individuals ranging in age from 15 to 25.
The study found that approximately 2,300 young people experienced some form of homelessness but had stable housing at some point, the report said. Half of that number revealed they never applied for housing or government assistance, and approximately 25% said they slept outside or in a car
The study also showed that approximately 40% of the homeless youth had experienced some form of harmful behavior from their parents or guardian; including physical or sexual abuse, drug use, and death.
Pierce has just begun to analyze the numbers but already finds them troubling.
"When you really soak in what this report is telling us, there's no question we as a community need to do better," she told KOB 4.