Abstract Youth homelessness is an increasingly significant social issue in Europe, with individuals aged 18–29 at elevated risk of severe social exclusion. Futuro&Co is a community‐based social intervention programme implemented by the FACIAM network in Spain, aiming to promote the autonomy and social inclusion of young people in situations of homelessness (YPSH). This study examined the impact of Futuro&Co on improving community social support, perceived social support, loneliness and self‐esteem among YPSH. A longitudinal, quasi‐experimental, non‐randomised controlled design was employed, involving a test group participating in Futuro&Co and a control group receiving standard homelessness services. Quantitative data were collected at programme entry, midpoint, and conclusion using validated questionnaires. Participants in the test group showed significantly greater improvements in overall community social support ( F = 4.06, p = 0.02), particularly in terms of community participation ( F = 2.91, p = 0.05) and informal support systems ( F = 3.73, p = 0.03). Self‐esteem also increased significantly ( F = 3.16, p = 0.04), primarily due to reductions in negative self‐perception. Although there were no statistically significant differences in overall social support or loneliness, the proportion of intervention participants reporting low social support decreased notably between the midpoint and programme closure. The findings highlight the value of community‐based, de‐institutionalising approaches for YPSH. By fostering informal relational networks, participation and self‐esteem, Futuro&Co supports the reconstruction of social ties and autonomy. However, sustained and structural interventions remain essential to reduce loneliness and consolidate long‐term social inclusion.
Sánchez-Moreno et al. (Tue,) studied this question.