Kick-off Meeting March 18, 2014 1. Unaccompanied Youth-- Who Are They? Definition: child or youth...

Kick-off MeetingMarch 18, 2014

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Definition: child or youth who meets the education definition of homeless and is not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian. “Doubled-up” (sharing housing due to loss of housing,

economic hardship, similar reason): 71% Motels: 5% Shelters, transitional housing: 22% Camping, parks, abandoned buildings, bus stations,

public spaces Inadequate trailers, substandard housing

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Some youth become homeless with their families, but end up on their own due to lack of space in temporary accommodations or shelter policies that prohibit adolescent boys. 60% of homeless mothers live apart from at least

one of their minor children; 35% live apart from all their children.

93% of homeless fathers live apart from all their children.

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Studies have found that 20 to 50 percent of unaccompanied youth were sexually abused in their homes, while 40 to 60 percent were physically abused.

Over two-thirds of callers to Runaway Hotline report that at least one of their parents abuses drugs or alcohol.

One in four youth who emancipate from foster care will experience homelessness within two years of leaving care.

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20-40% of homeless youth identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender (compared to 3-5% of the overall population).

Many youth have been forced out of their homes due to pregnancy. 10% of currently homeless female teens are

pregnant.Many youth have to leave home because their family

can’t afford to provide for them.

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Working with young people, service providers and community members to develop creative strategies to support unaccompanied youth.

3-year project, 9 communitiesStudies show that coordination among youth

services can greatly improve outcomes. 339 at-risk youth programs spread across 12 different

federal agencies No one agency or organization can meet all the needs. Yet no one has the time to organize a community-wide

effort for youth or work on the strategies generated.

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NRS and school district dataWayne County schools served 3,974 homeless

children and youth in 2011-1243% increase in 2 years

Calls in to NRS: (313) area code generated 580 calls in 2012(248) generated 1,236 calls(734) generated 315 calls

Community leadership7

“N.” 17 year old HS senior History of domestic violence (mother and step-father) Kicked out by step father at age 14; dad incarcerated Stays with numerous friends Works part time – not enough for rent Quiet with story due to embarrassment and fear of foster care

placementN’s goal: Graduate from high school and attend college.

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To give N what she needs to reach her goal.What does N need to graduate from high

school and attend college?What agencies might have come to the

table for her over the past few years?What agencies need to come to the table

for her now?What additional services do we need to

develop to meet N’s needs?9

“I strongly believe that in order to help a youth break the cycle of poverty and homelessness, this can only be achieved through educational opportunities, financial, mental, emotional and spiritual support. Becoming homeless can break any person and to get out and become successful again, one needs services until they get on their feet and not just a one-time only. There needs to be more resources for homeless youth in a non-judgmental manner.”

“Developing, adopting, implementing and monitoring a collective, community-wide approach to serve and increase the impact on homeless youth.”

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San Antonio Wallet card of resources State legislative initiatives: unaccompanied youth 16 and older

can enter TLPs without parental consent Truancy and attendance officer training and policies Goodwill, food bank and health collaborative collaboration

North Carolina Youth-run community garden and drop-in Wallet card of resources; also on Facebook and QR Legal clinic

SE Wyoming Housing authority vouchers for youth Host homes 11

Northeast Tennessee New CPS referral/service process 5 units supportive housing with case management Transportation: Ways to Work, car repair

San Diego SNAP guidance (local, state and federal) Youth Panel on cultural competency Dental Day Resource dog tags Legal clinic and drop-in center

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Sacramento A2B Bike Giveaway Advocacy with Regional Transit Housing options

Legislative initiatives (school records, SNAP, child welfare, high school graduation and partial credits, hearings)

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We surveyed adults. 55 responses Service providers and community members

We surveyed young people. 52 responses Ages 13-25, even split F/M 62% had “couch-surfed”; 40% had stayed in a

shelter; 20% had slept in public14

1. Job training and counseling2. Clothes and shoes3. Transportation4. Safe, stable place to live

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TransportationSafe place to be days and evenings (11-17)Job training (18-25)Shelters and transitional living programs

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Live on my own with rental assistance (80%)

Live with an adult I know, with mutual responsibilities

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SheltersGroup homesFoster careReturn to parents

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Embarrassed / ashamedLack of transportationAge limitsFear of referral to police, parents,

foster care (under 18)

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Half the youth surveyed were out of school; All of them wanted to go back to school.

What they need to go back:TransportationHousingA jobFinancial aid for college

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A job Clothes and shoes Transportation Safe, stable place to live

Pick an issue, sign in, and get to work!24

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Regular in-person meetings: April? May?Committee meetings by phone in betweenInvite colleagues you think should hereCyekeia, Courtney and Patricia will be Task

Force staffWork on a few, tangible, short-term initiativesDevelop and implement mid- and long-term

initiatives

Cyekeia Lee, Higher Education LiaisonPhone: 734.258.8175Email: clee@naehcy.org

Patricia Julianelle, Legal DirectorPhone: 202.436.9087Email: pjulianelle@naehcy.org

Courtney Smith, Youth CoordinatorEmail: csmith@naehcy.org

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