Aims This study proposes to investigate the life contexts and experiences of motherhood among homeless adolescents and their relation with the "uncertainty reduction" theory. Subjects and Methods A total of 21 teens, living in eight temporary shelters in the city of São Paulo, were intentionally selected. In-depth, face-to-face semi-structured interviews were subsequently conducted. The study was performed by means of qualitative methodology. Results Six themes emerged in the content analysis with the agreement of judges: "circulation" or domestic instability; incapacity to rely on one's own parents and relatives; the street as a solution; fear of theft of the child; need for support; motherhood as hope and search for identity. Conclusion Motherhood acquires the function of giving meaning to existence and opens a window of opportunity for reorganizing their lives around more stable bonds. The results suggest that the reduction in uncertainty could partly explain the relevant role of motherhood in these teens.