Over the last decade in British Columbia, the incidence of homelessness has grown at an unprecedented rate. Since 2002, the homeless population counted in Metro Vancouver has more than doubled to a high of 2,660 in 2008. Governments have traditionally approached homelessness using a continuum of policy instruments ranging from emergency shelters and transitional housing to independent social housing and rental assistance. However, less research has been conducted to date on effective housing models for youth aged 16 to 24, who constitute between 10% and 20% of the homeless population. Studies suggest that the youth homeless population is extremely vulnerable, facing high levels of violence and sexual exploitation, as well as complex mental health and addictions issues. This research project examines the key barriers that streetinvolved youth face in exiting homelessness by answering the research question “Why do some street-involved youth aged 16 to 24 in Vancouver not become permanently housed?” Through a mixed method approach, namely,(1) a literature review of survey data of street-involved youth in the United States, Canada, and British Columbia, and (2) key informant interviews and focus groups with youth service providers, government managers, and private philanthropic funders, this study identifies and evaluates best practices for youth housing programs in Vancouver. The study concludes with policy recommendations aimed at permanently housing street-involved youth in Vancouver and British Columbia.