Homelessness in Baltimore

Why is teen pregnancy an issue? Teen pregnancy often leads to negative outcomes, such as school dropout, unmarried status, and poverty. These young mothers are also more likely to give birth prematurely to low-weight infants who grow up in impoverished single-parent households and are at higher risk of entering the child welfare system. Infant mortality rates are also elevated among babies born to adolescent mothers compared to those born to older mothers.

A particularly vulnerable group in terms of pregnancy risk is runaway/homeless adolescents, who frequently leave their homes due to:

• Abuse
• Neglect
• Conflicts related to substance use
• Sexual orientation
• Family dynamics

Research shows that these youth, especially girls, are 4x more likely to become pregnant than their non-runaway peers.

Why do homeless teens get pregnant? The higher pregnancy rates among homeless/runaway youth can be attributed to various risk factors, including substance use, limited contraceptive knowledge or use, academic disengagement, lack of family support, sexual and physical abuse, and single-parent households, often compounded by economic hardship.

What happens when homeless teens get pregnant? Pregnancy among runaway/homeless young women occurs at a time when they are least prepared emotionally, physically, and financially to care for a child. Their inadequate skills and education hinder their ability to secure employment, leading some to engage in criminal activities to survive. These adolescents face more health problems and poorer birth outcomes due to their reduced access to medical care, reproductive health services, prenatal care, and proper nutrition.

How do we help? Our maternal group home serves as a vital catalyst in the effort to combat homelessness by offering a comprehensive approach that extends beyond just shelter.

Our core focus revolves around providing unwavering support to young girls, enabling them to not only secure stable accommodation but also equipping them with the essential tools to establish their independence.

How do we impact future generations? Through tailored assistance, we nurture the development of critical skills, facilitate access to education, and foster avenues for income generation.

By empowering these girls to become self-sufficient, we create a pathway towards a more promising future for themselves and their children, thereby curbing the risk of poverty, as well as minimizing potential physical and mental health challenges.

Significantly, our intervention during pregnancy and early childhood contributes to breaking the cycle of chronic poverty, addressing its root causes, and ensuring a brighter, sustainable outcome for both present and future generations.