Youth Hope Month | Advocates for Children

Shining a Light on Youth Homelessness

November is known for Thanksgiving, but it is also Youth Hope Month which calls attention to the plight of young people who have run away from their homes and are at risk of homelessness.

Partnering with National Runaway Safeline, Advocates for Children is part of the solution for more than 4 million young people experiencing homelessness in the U.S each year. According to Tracy Arp, Shelter Manager and Runaway and Homeless Youth coordinator for Advocates, efforts this month will focus on education and prevention so the 11 counties served by Advocates will be more aware of the problem and able to effectively help.

The Advocates team will be hosting workshops in schools and with community partners. Outreach efforts with the media and social media will draw attention. And community events, including civic and church drives to collect clothing and toiletry supplies, will help young people in need. Advocates and other partners are even planning to “Shine a Light” on youth homelessness by flooding their buildings with green lights, the symbol for Youth Hope Month.

Often the first step to helping any youth in crisis begins with a national program called Safe Place. Black and yellow signs are displayed at schools, fire stations, fast food restaurants, and many QuikTrip locations. At risk youth at any of these locations in the 9 NW GA counties served by Advocates for Children can make a call direct to Advocates and start the process of receiving immediate help. QuikTrip has been a significant partner with Advocates in this effort for several years.

Advocates for Children has developed several programs to address the need. The Flowering Branch Children’s Shelter has an excellent record of arranging shelter for kids 6-17 with temporary or permanent homes, providing youth with educational support, and often reuniting them with their families, Arp stated.

Older youths in the Advocates Runaway and Homeless Youth program have achieved stability, completed their education, and found employment leading to a future of independence and security. According to Catherine Davis, Program Manager for RISE, also known as Youth Independent Housing, “The success rate has been amazing. Eighty percent of the young people who complete the one- year program remain independent and successful.

Beginning in 2025, both programs – the Shelter and Youth Independent Housing — will be operating within Newman House, a new housing structure nearing completion. The homelike environment contains 14 bedrooms, a commercial kitchen and laundry, community rooms and 24/7 staff supervision. Newman House will also feature a new Drop-In Center providing short term help for youth facing housing insecurity. They will receive much-needed assistance with food, shelter, employment and housing connections.

Connect with the National Runaway Safe Line