NOW Commemorates Hunger & Homeless Youth Month

November is the National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, which also includes National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (November 15-22.) These events acknowledge and raise awareness of the problems faced by youth, families and individuals at risk of and experiencing homelessness and food insecurity.

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.

Following eviction, a person's likelihood of experiencing homelessness increases, mental and physical health are diminished and the probability of obtaining employment declines.

Instability, like eviction, is particularly damaging to children, who suffer in ways that impact their educational development and well-being. Along with losing their home, community, friends and routines as well as their sense of stability and safety, many youth experiencing homelessness are also victims of trauma, according to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.

While trying to survive on the streets, youth are exposed to countless dangers, with an increased likelihood of substance misuse, early parenthood, impulsivity, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder and a vulnerability to being trafficked.

The time is now to end youth homelessness as we know it. We can unlock the future, and be the key to someone's journey home. We cannot sit idly by while young people are forced to sleep on the streets, and then are criminalized for doing so. We have a responsibility to care for youth in our communities who have been trafficked, forced out of their homes, and trapped in cycles of extreme poverty.

The Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act (RHYTPA) updates the federal Runaway and Homeless Youth Act program, which provides housing and service options to youth in need, prevents trafficking, identifies survivors, and supports young people's transition to adulthood.

NOW members can call on their members of Congress to support this bipartisan legislation, and work with organizations in their own communities to shine a light on the crisis of youth homelessness and light the way for young people on their journey from the streets to safety.

And throughout the month of November, we can reflect on the connected challenges facing communities across the U.S. of hunger and homelessness-and act!