Youth Homelessness, Outreach, Prevention and Education Month impacts young people ages 13 to 25. Jan Daisher, Director of Special Programs for the William S. Hart Union School District, serves about 1,000 students experiencing homelessness.
“We’re not talking about students who are living on a sidewalk or behind a building. But mostly our students fall under some categories called doubled up or tripled up, or hotel motel. And we do have unhoused and unsheltered, and we have some students who are unaccompanied youth who might be couch surfing and living with friends,” said Daisher.
Through a questionnaire and staff, the school determines which students need extra help with school supplies, including items outside the classroom.
“Our social workers know the most about our families, and they reach out to say, ‘Jan, we have some unique needs here. Could we provide?” said Daisher.
Community support becomes essential for youth over 18 who are experiencing homelessness. Finally, Family Homes Founder and Executive Director Christina Dronen explains more about the Oasis Center and its mission.
“We serve a lot of young adults who are aging out of foster care, struggling with homelessness, trying to find jobs, any kind of struggle, ages 18-26. We want the be that support for those who lack support systems,” said Dronen.
“We do that through our resource center that we’re at right now, where young people can come in and hang out, do workshops, get meals,” said Dronen.
Many factors play a role in youth homelessness, but making resources and services available is key.
“This age group, in my opinion… is one of the most important to really invest in preventing homelessness and working to help get young people out of homelessness,” said Dronen.
“It does have the highest rate that if you become and stay homeless at this age, you have a significantly higher chance of being chronically homeless. This is really where the prevention happens,” said Dronen.
More information about housing support and services can be found online.
