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| Word on the Street By: Stephanie Jelenic-Deb Typically when we think about homelessness, we often don't associate it with individuals under the age of eighteen. Instead we usually hold the image of an adult or elderly person, but the harsh truth is that youth homelessness is very common. Research shows that about 5 to 7.7 percent of youth experience some kind of homelessness, and at least one million youth are on the streets and in shelters. Youth homelessness is everywhere, in cities and rural communities. It is a complicated problem that is not easily fixed. The reasons these youth are on the street are endless, but they all lack their basic necessities, support, positive adult role models and opportunities to fail, succeed and grow. These youth are fighting to survive and it is a long road from survival to self-sufficiency. These youth are kids and need the love, support and opportunities like another kid and they deserve to be kids, says Nickie Lora. Nickie is a Street Outreach Coordinator in the area of Child and Family Services. She works with homeless, runaway and street youth on a daily basis. The Street Outreach Program (SOP) is located in downtown Manchester, NH and the outreach team, comprised of youth and adults, talks with youth on a daily basis about the program and services offered in Manchester. But how does youth homelessness happen? It is usually rooted in family or financial problems. In most cases the youth have absolutely no fault. Research shows that many of the homeless youth decide to leave their homes after continued physical or sexual abuse, substance and alcohol abuse of a family member, violence in the home, disruptive living conditions, and parental neglect. Youth homelessness also happens due to financial problems in their families such as; limited employment opportunities, no health insurance, and unaffordable housing. These youth are homeless with their families, but often become separated through temporary housing programs and shelters. There are many other causes related to youth homelessness including, but not limited too; gender identity, mental illness, sexual orientation, death of a family member, and sickness or injury. Homeless youth face many difficult challenges that often go unnoticed. First of all, homeless youth cannot seek employment due to their age. Unable to earn money, they go without basic items such as; food and clothing. Homeless youth are also likely to drop out of school because of many challenges such as, guardian issues, no transportation, and residency requirements. 75% of homeless youth have dropped out of school, or will. The biggest concern for homeless youth is their health. Aside from low self-esteem, many homeless youth suffer from anxiety, depression, and nutrition deficiencies. Nickie says, “I think youth deserves a place to call home and the chance to be kid. Unfortunately, many youth are born without supportive loving parents and it is society's job as a whole to protect and support these youth. These youth are our future, an investment and should have the right to grow up in a safe and nurturing place with all their basic needs met. Youth homelessness doesn't receive much attention and most people don't realize how serious it actually is. If we all help spread the word, we can put an end to youth homelessness. Nickie has some great advice on how you can help make a difference; “ you can find a local program and donate your old clothes or canned food. Aeropostale, Virgin Mobile and American Eagle all have ways you can give back nationally and help out in your community. You can organize a fundraiser, food or clothing drive at your school, place of worship or community organization. You can become more aware of what is going on in your community and share the information you have learned with others. After all, knowledge is power and homeless youth are a hidden population. "Just remember that these youth are kids and teenagers like an average kid or teen," says Nickie, “and they deserve to be treated like one. Here are some other great resources to check out: If you would like to learn more about youth homelessness or help make a difference visit the website below. http://www.standupforkids.org/ Virgin mobile and singer Jewel teamed up to make November national youth homelessness month. They created a campaign to put an end to youth homelessness, go to the website below to support the declaration. http://www.homelessyouthamongus.org/ Do you have an idea to put an end to youth homelessness? If you do, go to the website below and share your idea. The winner receives $25,000 to make their idea a reality. http://www.youthnoise.com/homelessyouthmain/ |
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