November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month

by Shannon Moriarty · 2008-11-10 05:53:00 UTC
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Between 5 and 7 percent of the general teenage population under 18 are homeless each year. That's anywhere from 1 and 1.5 million youth who are forced to live on the streets, are likely to drop out of school, and face an increased risk of experiencing sexual abuse.

That's one homeless youth for every playground in America. One homeless youth for every school cafeteria.

If you think these numbers are shocking and this problem is unacceptable, then read the declaration and take a stand by adding your name below. Invite a friend to sign on. Nobody should ever have to experience life on the streets, especially youth. 

The Declaration to End Youth Homelessness

  • I have a clean, safe place to call home.
  • I do not have to sell my body to survive.
  • I have clean clothes.
  • I have the right to an education.
  • I am not treated as a criminal when I've done nothing wrong.
  • I am seen and heard by adults to can help me and not hurt me.

By pledging your name in support of this declaration, you are joining the movement to ensure that National Homeless Youth Awareness month will continue to be recognized until every homeless child on the streets has a safer place for healing, learning, and growing. Your support shows that you recognize youth homelessness as a serious problem, and that you care enough to make a difference.

[From Virgin Mobile's www.homelessyouthamongus.org.]

Shannon Moriarty has worked in various homeless shelters and service organizations around the country. She is a graduate student studying housing and urban policy at Tufts University.
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