Every night, children, and young adults in our community experience homelessness. According to the Georgia Alliance to End Homelessness, more than 45,500 children experience homelessness each year in Georgia. To bring awareness to these critical issues, nonprofits nationwide are “shining a light” this November and working together to alleviate homelessness and restore families.
For almost forty years, Advocates for Children has fought to end child abuse and homelessness. Advocates partners with Safe Place a nationally recognized agency for youth experiencing homelessness. The Safe Place program is the first step in helping any youth in crisis and is our primary referral source for Advocate’s Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) program. Advocates for Children currently oversees the maintenance of 163 Safe Place sites in the eleven-county area we serve.
Advocate’s Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) program provides immediate shelter services to youth under the age of 18 who may be experiencing homelessness. Youth can refer themselves to the program and stay for up to 21 days in our shelter. In addition to receiving food, shelter, RHY also receive case management referral resources, transportation assistance, medical and dental care, and opportunities for recreational activities. By working with their Independent Living coordinator, RHY learn independent and daily living skills, job readiness, money management. Our Education Coordinator assists RHY with enrollment collaboration with school counselors and teachers, homework assistance, and tutoring opportunities.
