This is a great blog post from my friend Dave Curry, Tacoma Rescue Mission.
When most people think of homelessness, young children and teenagers are not the first image that pops into their brain. Instead, they think of a grizzled older gentlemen sleeping in Pioneer Square or in the doorway of a local business.
Yet, the reality is that we have more homeless children and youth at the Tacoma Rescue Mission than we do men in our Shelter. Amazing, but true. There are anywhere from 80-90 kids on any given night that are taking refuge at the Mission.
Our most pressing goal is to make sure that “No Child has to sleep on the streets of Pierce County”. This goal is attainable, but first we people have to know that the problem exists.
Unfortunately, most don’t know that homeless children and youth is a problem so nothing gets done. The question is, what can you do?
Here are just a couple of suggestions:
1. Support agencies, churches and policy makers who understand the problem and are working to find solutions to homelessness. There are people out trying to solve the problem but they are often a voice in the wilderness. By supporting them you are helping to build critical mass toward ending youth homelessness
2. Make this your CAUSE. Let people know through blogging, twitter, facebook, and through personal conversation that you are really concerned about child and youth homelessness and are making a difference.
3. Volunteer to serve. The programs that are solving this problem need tutors, mentors and folks to help do crafts and activities. You can use your gifts to make a big difference in the life of a homeless youth.
Let’s all work together to raise awareness of this growing challenge. We can make a difference and make sure that NO Child has to be homeless in Pierce County.
http://www.rescuetacoma.com/
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month
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