Narratives of Youth Homelessness: Stories from Paris and New York

This book explores the daily lives of twenty young people experiencing homelessness in Paris and New York. This book explores the daily lives of 20 young people experiencing homelessness in Paris and New York. Drawing on detailed observations and personal testimonies, it reveals their living conditions, survival strategies, and the rhythms that shape their days and nights. Beyond hardship, this book captures moments of joy, hope, and human connection. It examines their relationships—with family, friends, romantic partners, education, work, and support organizations—highlighting both the resources they rely on and the obstacles they face. Often absent from public debate and media coverage, these youths are given a voice, offering a nuanced and humanizing portrait that challenges stereotypes. By bringing their experiences to the forefront, this book calls for greater awareness and collective action to respond to youth homelessness with empathy and effectiveness. It will be of interest to all scholars and students of social policy, youth work, social work, urban studies, and sociology more broadly.