National Homeless Youth Awareness Month

National Homeless Youth Awareness Month was first recognized in November 2007. Following that designation, November has been a time to support those kids and households encountering homelessness. It's reasonably believed that as many as 2.5 million youths per year experience homelessness.

While not just losing their community, friends, or shelter, it is also a loss of routines, a sense of stability, and safety. In addition, while trying to survive on the streets, the exposure to countless dangers, an increased likelihood of substance abuse, early parenthood, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a vulnerability to being trafficked are very real traumas faced each day.

A number of Citygate Network member ministries offer services, specifically for homeless youth, to keep them safe and help them move forward. You can find one of these ministries near you by searching our directory.

What's more, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) has compiled a list of helpful resources for parents and caregivers, children and teens, mental health providers, child welfare workers, juvenile justice professionals, and policymakers. Find these and others on the NCTSN website today.