In FY 2003-2004, agency component services that address runaway and homeless youth received:
346 referrals for youth meetings the program’s eligibility criteria for homeless, runaway, family crisis, or street dependent status.
Many more youth in the community are constantly at-risk of becoming homeless because:
Their families are poor and lack adequate resources to support the family.
Their parents are at-risk of losing their housing.
They are not wanted at home, often becoming "thrownaway," abused, or neglected.
There is alcohol or drug abuse in the home, leading to an unstable living environment.
Their own behaviors lead their parents to being unable or unwilling to care for them in the home.
In FY 2003-2004, agency component services that address runaway and homeless youth received:
567 calls for assistance including 372 youth calling to get help for themselves.
Information that underscores the issue of Youth Homelessness:
When a parent or family loses its home, the youth involved become homeless.
Youth and children who do not have stable housing tend to drop out of school.
Domestic violence is a major cause of homelessness.
Families living in poverty cannot afford to provide basic needs for their children.
What Must Be Done in Wake County to Alleviate the Problem of Youth Homelessness?
A network of reliable transportation to access services and jobs beyond downtown Raleigh.
Alternative educational options to help older youth complete their high school diploma.
Truly affordable, decent housing scattered throughout the community (rents ranging from $250-$350) and living wages ($10-$13 per hour) for service industry and other traditionally low paying occupations.
People need to know about the problem of youth homelessness and its affect on everyone in the community.
