A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY TO EXPLORE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF HISPANIC UNACCOMPANIED HOMELESS YOUTH

The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of Hispanic Unaccompanied Homeless Youth (HUHY) enrolled in public high school in Texas. Homeless students face unique living challenges. However, homeless students have proven abilities critical for their academic pursuits. The study results showed homeless students are resilient and needed at least one deep personal connection with a school staff member. Among this study’s findings are that homeless students might sometimes camouflage signs of their homelessness by concealing their indigent status. Moreover, homeless students in some instances were denied enrollment and services. All the participants in this study were pursuing their studies with determination and aspirations to graduate from high school. The participants used their homelessness as a source of resilience to overcome their living challenges. This study contributes new insight to the phenomenon of Hispanic homeless students and adds new knowledge on homeless students’ lives and their experiences in high school. The study’s findings, applications, and usefulness target audiences made of educators, school administrators, and private and political stakeholders. Additionally, this study may be used to advocate for the welfare of homeless students and the time use of school counselors as individuals that promote student connections and social policies for at-risk populations.