Every year, millions of young people across the United States face homelessness, poverty, and instability as they leave foster care, navigate the justice system, or flee unsafe homes. Transitional housing provides a lifeline—a stable place to heal, rebuild, and gain the skills to live independently.

Below are national statistics that highlight the urgent need for programs like The House of Peter.

Youth Aging Out of Foster Care

Each year, between 20,000 and 25,000 youth age out of foster care in the U.S. Without the support of a family or a safe place to land, many struggle to survive:

Within 18 months, 40–50% become homeless at least once.

By age 26, 80% of young men who age out have been arrested at least once.

While 86% want to attend college, fewer than 3% ever complete a degree.

These statistics underscore how fragile the transition to adulthood can be without stable housing and supportive guidance.

Youth Homelessness

Homelessness among youth is a widespread crisis:

Nearly 4.2 million youth and young adults experience homelessness every year in the United States.

Over 70% report leaving home because of violence, abuse, or family conflict.

Without intervention, these young people face increased risks of exploitation, chronic homelessness, and long-term poverty.

Justice-Involved Youth

Young people involved in the juvenile justice system are especially vulnerable:

More than 200,000 youth enter the juvenile justice system every year.

Formerly incarcerated youth are 10 times more likely to become homeless than their peers.

Transitional housing paired with mentorship and case management can help break this cycle.

Pregnant and Parenting Youth

Young women and pregnant youth face unique and profound challenges:

National research shows approximately 1 in 3 young women experiencing homelessness is pregnant or parenting.

Pregnant youth are far more likely to experience unstable housing, poverty, and exposure to violence.

These young families often lack safe shelter, prenatal care, and basic resources to support healthy development for themselves and their children.

Providing transitional housing that includes parenting support, life skills training, and trauma-informed care is critical to breaking intergenerational cycles of poverty and homelessness.

Why Transitional Housing Matters

Research shows that supportive transitional housing makes a measurable difference:

Youth in transitional housing programs see significant improvements in employment, education, and mental health compared to those in emergency shelters or on the streets.

Stable housing reduces recidivism and provides the security young people need to focus on building their futures.

In Texas, thousands of young people each year face homelessness, instability, and the risk of falling through the cracks as they age out of foster care, navigate the juvenile justice system, or flee unsafe homes. Transitional housing offers stability and hope—a place to rebuild, heal, and prepare for independent adulthood.

Below are key facts and statistics showing why programs like The House of Peter are urgently needed in our state.

Youth Aging Out of Foster Care

Each year in Texas, about 1,200 young people age out of the foster care system without permanent family support or stable housing.

Within the first year, 1 in 3 will experience homelessness.

Many lack resources, job training, or access to consistent mental health care.

Without a safe place to land, youth aging out of care face higher risks of poverty, exploitation, substance use, and involvement with the criminal justice system.

Youth Homelessness

Texas has one of the highest rates of youth homelessness in the nation:

The state ranks third in the U.S. for the total number of youth experiencing homelessness.

More than 12,000 unaccompanied youth and young adults were identified by Texas public schools in the most recent statewide count.

Rural areas and smaller cities often have fewer services and shelter options, leaving many young people without support.

Young people experiencing homelessness are far more likely to suffer from untreated trauma and struggle to finish school or maintain employment.

Justice-Involved Youth

Justice involvement can be a pathway to chronic instability:

The Texas Juvenile Justice Department receives over 40,000 referrals every year.

A significant portion of these young people are from low-income families and have a history of abuse or neglect.

Many youth leaving juvenile facilities lack safe housing options and supportive adults to guide their reentry.

Transitional housing combined with mentorship can help reduce recidivism and support long-term success.

Pregnant and Parenting Youth

Young women and pregnant youth face some of the greatest barriers to stability:

In Texas, approximately 1 in 3 young women experiencing homelessness is pregnant or parenting.

Pregnant youth are more likely to drop out of school, lack prenatal care, and experience domestic violence or exploitation.

Without stable housing, pregnant and parenting youth are at higher risk of poor birth outcomes and continued cycles of poverty.

Transitional housing that offers childcare support, parenting education, and safe shelter is essential to breaking these cycles and ensuring healthy futures for young families.

Why Transitional Housing Matters

Research shows that youth in transitional housing programs are much more likely to achieve stability:

Stable housing helps reduce justice involvement, increases employment, and improves educational outcomes.

Supportive environments allow youth to address trauma, set goals, and build independent living skills.

Communities that invest in transitional housing see better outcomes and lower long-term social service costs.

Even in a growing region like Bell County, many young people face hidden struggles—unstable housing, family conflict, poverty, and barriers to building an independent future. Transitional housing is a critical bridge, providing stability, safety, and support at a turning point in their lives.

Below are key facts about why programs like The House of Peter are needed here in our own community.

Youth Homelessness

Homelessness among youth in Bell County is more widespread than many realize:

Killeen ISD reported more than 1,300 homeless students in a recent academic year.

Many young people are doubled up in unstable living situations, couch surfing, or staying temporarily with friends or extended family.

Rural parts of the county have even fewer resources and shelter beds for young adults.

Without a safe place to go, these youth are at higher risk for dropping out of school, chronic homelessness, and exploitation.

Youth Aging Out of Foster Care

In Bell County and the surrounding region:

Each year, dozens of youth age out of the foster care system without a permanent home.

Statewide data shows 1 in 3 young people aging out will experience homelessness before age 21, and Bell County trends are consistent with this pattern.

Young people exiting care locally often have limited access to affordable housing or supportive services.

Without intervention, they face increased risk of poverty, incarceration, and poor health outcomes.

Justice-Involved Youth

Bell County youth also face challenges navigating the justice system:

Bell County is part of Region 7, which sees thousands of juvenile justice referrals each year.

Youth reentering the community often struggle to find stable housing, making it harder to comply with probation requirements and build a positive path forward.

Transitional housing paired with mentoring and accountability helps reduce recidivism and supports long-term success.

Pregnant and Parenting Youth

Young women and pregnant youth in Bell County are among the most vulnerable:

Killeen ISD and local agencies report significant numbers of pregnant or parenting students who lack stable housing.

Without safe shelter and support, young parents are more likely to drop out of school and experience continued cycles of poverty.

Local shelters often lack dedicated programs for young mothers and their children.

Providing transitional housing that includes parenting education and resources is critical to improving outcomes for both mothers and babies.

Why Transitional Housing Matters

Transitional housing is more than a roof—it is a chance to heal, rebuild, and gain the skills to thrive:

Stability helps youth stay in school or pursue job training.

Supportive services address trauma, build confidence, and promote self-sufficiency.

Communities that invest in transitional housing see lower long-term costs and stronger outcomes for everyone.