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My regards to you Josh and Shayla. Those of us who work with youth know how hard you are working. Your resilience is a testimony to the ability to survive and succeed against all odds. Carry on!

As a former youth advocate and counselor I have worked with many youth who are just begining of the journey of homelessness or are at risk for becoming homeless. Most (not all) youth end up in this situation due to lack of nurturing, safety and basic needs.

Our state system does not see homeless youth as a high risk area. I have had workers tell me the youth "is street savvy enough, to survive," "should just go home," "is uncooperative," "not in enough trouble," etc...most of these kids do not get on the radar until there is a crime that they are involved in.

There is nothing more heartbreaking than watching a kid slip thorough the cracks. Local community resources of the type that were discussed, neighbors, friends, local programs, are often the best route.

We do need to work to gain the trust back...basic needs are a great way to start. Why should these kids trust us? Our society has failed them

Our youth are our future, how are we taking care of our future? 

posted 3 years, 7 months ago
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