It’s hard to imagine, but not every teen has a safe and warm place to lay his or her head at night. In fact, 1 in 30 youth experience homelessness during a year, according to the National Network for Youth, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing and eradicating homelessness in America. That equates to approximately 700,000 youth per year.
The issue of homelessness at large is making national news in April as the Supreme Court plans to hear oral arguments on the case of Gloria Johnson v. the city of Grants Pass, Oregon. This case aims to have a significant impact on the rights people have when experiencing homelessness. The Supreme Court will either rule that jurisdictions will no longer be able to fine or arrest people camping on public property with nowhere else to go or that jurisdictions will be allowed to criminalize those living on public property.
At Synergy Services, programs like our Street Outreach Services provide emergency shelter and care for youth in an effort to reduce the need for homeless encampments that are becoming so prevalent across the country. In this blog, we’ll delve into why so many young people find themselves without stable housing and share what you can do to prevent youth homelessness.
The Heart of the Issue
For many young people, homelessness is not a choice but a consequence of circumstances beyond their control. Family breakdowns, domestic violence, and parental substance abuse can force adolescents to leave home in search of safety and stability. Other factors include rejection, poverty, mental health issues, and systemic failures within the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.
The Impact of Youth Homelessness
The impact of youth homelessness extends far beyond the absence of a permanent roof over one’s head. Homeless youth face a myriad of challenges, including inadequate access to education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and social support networks. They are at a heightened risk of exploitation, violence, substance abuse, and mental health issues. Moreover, the trauma and instability associated with homelessness can have long-lasting effects on their overall well-being and future quality of life.
Addressing the Root Causes
Comprehensive services that prioritize prevention, intervention, and support are key to effectively combat youth homelessness. At Synergy Services, we implement several strategies.
Strengthening Family Support Systems
Investing in family counseling, mediation, and support services can help prevent family breakdowns and provide young people with the support they need to remain safely housed. Synergy Services offers counseling to youth at the Youth Resiliency Center or through the Children’s Advocacy Center.
Increasing Access to Affordable Housing
Affordable housing initiatives targeted specifically at youth can help ensure that all young people have a safe and stable place to call home. Government, nonprofits, and community organizations can work together to expand affordable housing options and provide rental assistance to at-risk youth. Synergy House is our Kansas City-based answer. This emergency youth shelter serves kids ages 12-17 experiencing abuse, neglect, abandonment, and homelessness.
Enhancing Mental Health Services
Many homeless youth struggle with mental health issues. At Synergy, we can address underlying causes that lead to mental health concerns through expanded counseling and help young people rebuild their lives. Our Mental Health Services offer such support groups and assistance.
Improving Education and Employment Opportunities
Education and employment are key pathways out of homelessness. Investing in educational support programs, vocational training, job placement services, and mentorship initiatives can empower homeless youth to pursue their goals and achieve economic self-sufficiency.
Strengthening Supportive Services
Homeless youth need access to a range of supportive services, including healthcare, case management, life skills training, and emergency shelter. By investing in youth-focused support programs and outreach efforts, we can ensure that no young person falls through the cracks. Synergy’s YRC conducts a training program called EXCEL to help youth become self-sufficient.
Join Us to Raise Awareness and Advocacy
Now that you are aware of specific strategies that can help homeless youth, it’s time to do something about it! Solutions include advocating for policy change and raising. There are several national organizations devoted to youth homelessness. Check them out and commit to getting involved:
- National Alliance to End Homelessness
- National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth
- National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty—Youth & Education Resources
- United States Interagency Council on Homelessness
- Youth.gov
Locally in the Kansas City metropolitan area, providing safety and resources extends far beyond our Synergy Services staff. If you’re interested in supporting our Street Outreach team, consider shopping our Amazon Wishlist, stocked with all of the items a homeless teen may need. You can also take action by sharing information with your networks, engaging with policymakers, making a donation to our programs, or by attending Quiz for a Cause, an event that benefits our Street Outreach Program.
Together, we can raise awareness about the root causes of youth homelessness and mobilize collective action to address this critical issue by participating in events, sharing personal stories, engaging with policymakers, and supporting organizations working on the front lines.
