November is National Homelessness Awareness Month
Youth Homelessness is a growing epidemic in America, with more than 2.5 million young people experiencing a period of homelessness. Many youth run away from home to escape physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse and trauma. When youth are forced onto the street they not only lose their home, family and friends but some youth are forced into prostitution by human trafficking networks and engage in illegal activities such as stealing and drug dealing. Out of the population of youth living on the street 75% will not complete high school, 50% females will become pregnant and 32% will attempt suicide.
November is National Homelessness Awareness Month, raising awareness for this growing issue and Valley Youth House supports this important cause. VYH’s street outreach program, The Synergy Project has provided emergency services to homeless youth including food, tents, sleeping bags, and hygiene products, as well as support, counseling and housing services. Last year alone, 1,000 youth received emergency services and VYH predicts we will serve over 3,500 this year. Valley Youth House staff are sometimes the one caring adult in these young people’s lives. To help support our efforts, learn more about our Changemakers campaign on our website.