Understanding personal, social network, and neighborhood environmental contributors to firearm access and violence among young adults experiencing homelessness

Firearm-involved violence is an urgent public health issue in many major cities across the U.S. Over 37,000 homicides and 23,000 suicides involved firearms in 2016. Youth are particularly impacted by firearm-involved violence. The death rate from firearm-related injuries among youth aged 15 to 24 is the second highest across all age groups. Youth experiencing homelessness (YEH) are especially vulnerable to violence, including firearm-involved violence. However, little research has focused on firearm risks among YEH. We will conduct computer assisted structured quantitative interviews with 750 YEH in L.A. County and the greater St. Louis area to examine contributors to firearm risks. This information will provide a much-needed comprehensive understanding of firearm violence among YEH. This study will also inform interventions to reduce firearm violence among YEH and others who may be impacted by firearm violence.