An estimated 4.2 million young people experience homelessness of some kind in a given year. Housing instability can have detrimental and long-term effects on youth, including limited access to education, poor physical and mental health outcomes, and a higher risk of becoming a victim of violence and/or human trafficking. Homelessness also disproportionately impacts already at-risk populations, including LGBTQ+ youth and youth of color.
This year, the Women's Center for Youth & Family Services is supporting National Runaway Prevention Month (NRPM), an annual awareness campaign designed to “shine a light” on the experiences of runaway and homeless youth. Every November, organizations and individuals across the nation use NRPM to call attention to the youth homelessness crisis by "going green" to help spread awareness of this ongoing issue.
The SJCOE Nelson Center courtyard has "gone green" in support. Please see the attached flyer for further information.