How Parents and Teens Can Help Charlotte Youth Experiencing Homelessness
Youth homelessness is a very complex issue impacting the lives of an estimated 4.2 million youth and young adults in the United States every year.
The complexity of the issue makes the problem seem insurmountable, but there are things we can do within our own community that will have a positive impact on the youth experiencing homelessness here in Mecklenburg County. The Chinese proverb, “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” applies here. Yes, the goal of ending youth homelessness is a massive goal, but it can only be achieved by starting. Below are some suggestions on things parents and teens can do together to raise awareness and to make a positive impact on the lives of homeless teens.
Easy Ways to Raise Awareness:
1. The official color of National Runaway Prevention Month is green. Put a green lightbulb in your porch light or use green holiday lights around your windows to show support for Runaway and Homeless Youth this month.
2. Use your voice on social media to raise awareness. Add the “Shine a Light” filter to your Facebook profile picture or post with the Instagram and TikTok filters to show your support of runaway and homeless youth for the month of November.
3. Wear green or post a video of yourself wearing green. Make sure people understand the reason why you support Runaway and Homeless youth (RHY) and ending youth homelessness.
4. Give money to agencies that support RHY.
Other Creative Ways to Help:
5. Join an interactive poverty simulation. There are several organizations in Charlotte that offer opportunities designed to increase awareness, promote empathy and understanding, and inspire advocacy.
6. Watch a documentary about youth homelessness.
Below are some suggestions:
–Shelter: This film explores the stories of youth living in an emergency shelter.
–American Street Kid: Follow several youths who share how they ended up homeless and discuss their constant struggle to survive on the streets of Los Angeles.
–The Homestretch: Follows 3 homeless teens as they battle to stay in school, graduate, and change the trajectory of their lives for the better.
–Lost in America: This film uses the voices of celebrities and politicians who have experienced homelessness themselves to take a very large-scale issue and make it a very personal experience.
–Homeless: The Motel Kids of Orange County: This film follows the stories of multiple youth and their families living in motels in one of the richest counties in the country.
7. Organize a donation drive for food and clothing.
Food:
–Loaves and Fishes (704) 523-4333
–Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (704) 376-1785
–Dilworth Soup Kitchen (704) 334-3771
Clothing:
–Charlotte Rescue Mission (704) 333-4673)
–Crisis Assistance Ministry (704) 371-3001 ext. 282
–Helping Hands of Charlotte, NC (704) 288-3660)
By committing to raising awareness of Runaway and Homeless Youth you are joining the movement to end homelessness, not only among youth in and around Charlotte, but in the United States as a whole.
