Knowing no boundaries, homelessness’ wrath impacts every American demographic. With shelters filling to capacity, and the cold winter months approaching, millions of Americans will be left on the streets and forced to bear the elements with little assistance. Plaguing America’s younger population, over one million kids will endure a period of homelessness this year, and we should not accept this fact.
Running away from an emotionally and/or physically abusive guardian, which is the leading cause of youth homelessness, teenagers seek refuge out on the cold, hard pavement. According to the Covenant House’s statistics, 40% of homeless Americans are under 18, and 50% of them report “intense conflict or physical harm by a family member” as the reason why they are homeless. Enduring physical and mental hardships, teenagers take to the streets with little guidance or instruction, and attempt living independently.
Resorting to the streets in search of acceptance, members of the LGBT community constitute of 40% of America’s homeless youth. Due to intolerance of their sexual orientation, members of this community are kicked out of their homes by their closed-minded parents, or run away in hope of refuge and solidarity. Miley Cyrus, who launched the “Happy Hippie” foundation to curb this percentage, asserts: “it’s something that everyone sees… It’s like the birds chirping. We’re consciously ignoring it at all times, but it’s always happening right in front of us.” Impassioned by staggering statistics and blatant discrimination, Cyrus works to end youth homelessness by targeting problems within certain demographics, and thrusting them into the spotlight. Her efforts were made evident when she allowed Jesse Helt, a homeless youth, accept her 2014 MTV VMA award [seen below].
By building and harnessing awareness for this issue, our generation can end the ongoing cycle of homeless youths. It’s imperative that young adults help other young adults by promoting National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness week and sharing the staggering statistics of impacted people. We can utilize the social media platforms we use every day as a vehicle for social change. Additionally, I highly encourage you to volunteer at your local homeless shelter and donate to the cause. Homelessness should never be a solution, and I believe that ending youth homelessness is an obtainable goal.
More Information:
https://www.covenanthouse.org/homeless-teen-issues/statistics
http://nationalhomeless.org/issues/youth/
Donate: