Volunteering Matters’ Post

October is flying by, and as we approach November, it's important to remember that it's National Homeless Youth Awareness Month. Now is a great time to prepare by: •Raising awareness about youth experiencing homelessness, who have run away and as a result are now unhoused, or who may be in crisis. •Educating advocates, school staff, community-based organizations, places of faith, and those who frequently encounter young people about available supports for youth and their families who may be experiencing homelessness. •An opportunity to spotlight some key resources in your community that support youth and their families who are experiencing homelessness or who may be in crisis. •To reduce stigma around the experience of being unhoused. Here are a few toolkits you can use to start raising awareness in your community of influence: •National Runaway Safeline website: Youth Hope Month educational outreach material register to join the campaign: https://lnkd.in/gyYJja7F •Homeless Education Technical Assistance (HETAC) website:  Learn more information on how to support National Homeless Youth Awareness Month(NHYAM) https://lnkd.in/gYTzkGeY Your voice matters. Join the campaign today! #GoGreen4HOPE #youthHOPEmonth #NationalHomelessYouthAwarenessMonth

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲? The answer lies in the complexities and individual needs of the youth we serve. Our Youth Transition Service (YTS) is dedicated to assisting young people aged 12-21 who are at risk of involvement with the law, as well as those already involved with the justice system.⁠ These youth face a variety of challenges that make reintegration into the community particularly difficult. ⁠ We tackle these challenges by creating customized reintegration plans for each youth, personalizing our approach to their unique challenges, goals, and interests. Whether it's guidance with schooling, support through trauma, or access to positive community involvement, we understand that each youth’s journey is different, and we're proud to support these youths in whatever ways they need.⁠ By addressing these diverse needs, we strive to help these young people successfully reintegrate into their communities, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging positive development. ⁠ Learn more about YTS and our other programs on our site---link below. 🧡 ➡️ https://fernieyouth.ca ⁠ #fernieyouth #caringbeyondreason #scarborough #nonprofitorganization #youthadvocacy

There are many reasons why some students in the Madison School District lack a home. But Jani Hoester and Shannon Stevens from the Transition Education Program of the Madison School District say a lack of affordable housing is the primary issue. Other factors include mental illness, domestic violence and generational poverty. Homelessness strikes African American students the hardest, being the highest percentage of students suffering this way. When homeless, students are often forced to change schools, and each time they do, they lose 4-6 months of educational progress. Ultimately, they also suffer much lower graduation rates. The Transition program helps provide transportation for the students and provides a liaison to advocate for their rights. Hoester says these homeless students often feel invisible in society because people don’t even want to look their way if seen asking for help. She urges us all at minimum to acknowledge them and say hello, if we’re not able to help in some way. The presenters also urged everyone to support efforts to create affordable housing. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gTsR8F4F

Preventing homelessness among young people necessitates a holistic approach, encompassing access to education and employment opportunities, tailored housing assistance programs, mental health and substance abuse support, financial literacy education, peer support and mentorship initiatives, family reconciliation services, legal aid, life skills training, community engagement, and collaboration among stakeholders. By empowering youth with the necessary resources, skills, and support systems, such as education, stable housing, mental health services, and mentorship, communities can address the root causes of homelessness and provide young people with the tools they need to build stable futures. Through a coordinated effort involving government agencies, non-profit organizations, community groups, and businesses, communities can work together to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to thrive and avoid homelessness. #education #support #lifeskills training #communityengagement #collaboration

NBC News recently highlighted an urgent issue: in LA, 13,000+ students in public schools are experiencing homelessness, a 19% increase from the previous school year. ▶ The problem: There’s an increasing number of students experiencing homelessness, which leads to lower attendance & graduation rates. ▶︎ Here’s what we’re doing: Providing free weekly tutoring to students residing in emergency & transitional shelters through forming meaningful partnerships. Learn how you can help us make an impact in the lives of students experiencing homelessness: https://lnkd.in/gbhMGZqZ

Growing up in a community of single mothers, homelessness and chronic housing instability were constants in my life. Though I wasn't a foster child myself, my mother and aunts hailed from foster backgrounds, and so instability was a regular occurrence. Fast forward to 2024, serving and uplifting unhoused youth becomes my mission. The spaces God places me are on purpose, for a purpose. 🙏🏾 Youth homelessness is a super complex issue. Shelters are overcrowded, transitional housing is few, and affordable housing - don’t get me started. According to NCSL: 👉🏾 Each year, 1.5 million children and adolescents flee home due to family conflicts, abuse, or neglect, finding themselves homeless. 👉🏾 Over 250,000 children enter foster care annually, with more than 23,000 aging out each year. These youths face heightened risks of homelessness due to various factors, including unstable placements, histories of running away, and time spent in institutional settings. At Pour Over Love, the youth we serve encounter challenges unique to Atlanta, such as the prevalence of sex trafficking and the increasing presence of gangs and initiations. We're dedicated to empowering our youth through a comprehensive approach: expanding our resources to encompass career development, on-the-job training, mentorship, and networking opportunities, we aim to facilitate successful transitions. Our goal is ambitious yet attainable: within our 12-month cohorts, we strive to secure stable housing and meaningful careers for each individual, setting the stage for sustainable lifestyles. 🤝 Will you help me in transitioning the lives of Atlanta’s at-risk youth? Whatever form your contribution takes (financial, mentorship, reposting), know that it is invaluable to us. Your support enables us to continue our vital work, impacting lives and reshaping futures, and we greatly appreciate your contributions. https://lnkd.in/eSi-eTg4 #nonprofit #supporttheyouth #fundraising #impactdriven #homelessness #careerdevelopment #jobtraining #mentorship #affordablehousing #employment

Preventing homelessness among young people necessitates a holistic approach, encompassing access to education and employment opportunities, tailored housing assistance programs, mental health and substance abuse support, financial literacy education, peer support and mentorship initiatives, family reconciliation services, legal aid, life skills training, community engagement, and collaboration among stakeholders. By empowering youth with the necessary resources, skills, and support systems, such as education, stable housing, mental health services, and mentorship, communities can address the root causes of homelessness and provide young people with the tools they need to build stable futures. Through a coordinated effort involving government agencies, non-profit organizations, community groups, and businesses, communities can work together to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to thrive and avoid homelessness. #education #support #lifeskills #training #communityengagement #collaboration

Join the Philly Homes 4 Youth Coalition for the Breaking Barriers Through Their Eyes: A Summit to End Youth and Young Adult Homelessness, an immersive, hands-on advocacy day focused on ending youth homelessness in Philadelphia. This experiential event will shine a spotlight on the challenges faced by youth and young adults experiencing housing insecurity, featuring powerful stories from those with lived experience. Attendees will gain an in-depth understanding of the current systems and services available to address youth and young adult homelessness, while also collaborating to identify solutions that are working, gaps that need to be filled, and innovative strategies for change. Goal: To cultivate a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by youth and young adults experiencing housing instability and homelessness, and use these insights to build a coordinated community response that drives collective action to end youth and young adult homelessness and ensure all young people have access to safe housing and opportunities to thrive. By the end of the event, participants will leave with actionable insights and a collective vision to build a stronger, more inclusive future for our city's youth and young adults. Please RSVP HERE https://lnkd.in/eHfVw6NQ

Join me and LINC DSM on July 31 to build relationships while building move-in baskets! Just a few hours of your time can make a meaningful impact on an individual moving through a transitionary time. Interested in utilizing your resources to make a bigger impact? Click the link below to learn how 🧩🤝