November is National Homelessness Awareness Month
This month is dedicated to raising awareness on the issue of homelessness, specifically among young people. It is made to highlight the need to work towards preventing homelessness among youth.
November was declared National Homeless Youth Awareness Month in 2007. November is a time to acknowledge children and families experiencing homelessness. About 2.5 million youth per year experience homelessness (NCTSN, 2023). Those experiencing homelessness also lose their community, friends, routines, and sense of stability and safety. Many homeless users are victims of trauma because they are exposed to countless dangers including substance abuse, early parenthood, impulsivity, mental health issues, post-traumatic stress disorder, and vulnerability to being trafficked (NCTSN, 2023).
According to Carpenters Shelters, Children experiencing homelessness:
Are sick four times more often than other children. They have:
Four times as many respiratory infections.
Twice as many ear infections.
Five times more gastrointestinal problems.
Four times more likely to have asthma.
Go hungry at twice the rate of other children.
Have high rates of obesity due to nutritional deficiencies.
Have three times the rate of emotional and behavioral problems compared to non-homeless children.
What Can I Do?
Reducing homelessness is a collaborative mission. There are many ways to reduce homelessness. Here are 5 simple ways you can help reduce homelessness, specifically children and teen homelessness.
Educate others on homelessness
Share resources
Support policy changes towards homeless reduction
Volunteer to help those experiencing homelessness
Donate to organizations
Resources
If you are experiencing a housing crisis, call the Homeless Services Assessment Center at (703) 746-5700
Dial 2-1-1 to access a free and confidential referral service. You’ll find programs that can assist with housing, access to health care, food, and other services.
If you are experiencing or at risk of homelessness go to this site for more resources: Need Housing Assistance? - HUD Exchange
Visit Caseyville Public Library District's Community Resource page for tons of links to local, state, and national resources.
This post is by Faith, SIUE BSW Social Worker. If you would like to make an appointment to meet with a social worker for help filling out assistance forms, job searches, or help finding community resources, click HERE or call 618-345-5848.