How does a youth or teenager become homeless?

If you asked someone to describe a “homeless” person, it is unlikely that the description would include a teenager in school. Yet, the homeless youth population is estimated to be between 500,000 and 1.3 million (Center for Law and Social Policy, 2003).

• Of this group, many leave home to escape problems such as physical and sexual abuse, drug abuse and family confl ict. An estimated 46 percent of homeless youth have been physically abused and 17 percent have experienced unwanted sexual activity by a family or household member. An estimated 66 percent reported having an alcoholic parent. (Children’s Action Alliance, 2005)
• Some youth may become homeless due to fi nancial crises suffered by the family.
• Close to half of homeless youth were told by their parents to leave home.

What is a young person to do in this situation?

Homeless adolescents often suffer from severe anxiety and depression, poor health and nutrition, and low self-esteem.

Now, in Springfield, there is help and hope. A new program, “Empowering Youth,” provides shelter and critical after-care services for homeless youth ages 10 to 18.

Boys & Girls Town of Missouri’s Empowering Youth program was created to address the needs of homeless youth in Southwest Missouri. Our mission is to provide the support and guidance homeless youth need to transition to safe and stable homes.

If you are a youth in need of…

• Food
• Clothing
• Shelter
• Education
• Life skills
• Job training
• Safe environment
• Counseling services

We can help you.

Empowering Youth will provide…

• Resource Guide - Connecting youth with community resources to promote success.
• Life Skills - Equipping youth with job training, living skills and self confi dence.
• Positive Environment - We offer a variety of recreational activities, events and supportive staff.
• Emergency Shelter - We have an emergency shelter for youth ages 10 to 18. The shelter provides food, clothing and other basic essentials.
• Case Planning - Assisting youth through case management; individual, family and group therapy, assessment and goal setting.

Empowering Youth goal…

The Empowering Youth program will continue Boys & Girls Town of Missouri’s long-standing tradition of serving the community through strength-based services.

Empowering Youth focuses on the opportunity to create positive change in the midst of crisis.

Our goal is to empower homeless youth through access to community resources, a safe environment and a supportive staff.

The Empowering Youth program is dedicated to giving homeless youth a ray of hope and a chance for a brighter tomorrow.