Oregon's Youth Homelessness

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“A yearly Wallet Hub Analysis of unprivileged youth in the U.S. consistently ranks Oregon as one of the top states for the number of homeless youth.” This statement is by a news article titled Oregon’s Homeless Youth Goes Largely Unnoticed, Advocates Say, as Need for Service Grows. Many of these young individuals are counted because they’re in school, and the federal Mckinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act requires school districts to keep track of them. That means that those between the ages of 18-24 are excluded, due to them being outside of school. 


In 2021, an assessment by the Oregon Department of Human Services revealed that there are at least 8,000 homeless people under the age of 24. Oftentimes, it may seem as though most of the homeless population seen on the streets is older than 24. This may be because much of the homeless youth spends their time being in and out of unstable homes, or even couch surfing. The Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Center’s Chief Program Officer, Ashley Hamilton, has explained that the homeless youth are unlikely to be prioritized into housing due to their age and life experience. 


These young individuals going unnoticed proves that more action needs to be done to help them. Oregon alone has taken action regarding this issue. In January of 2022, Oregon awarded $2.1 million to support youth that experience homelessness. It’s important to find ways to guide them into the right direction. It can be as simple as beginning with sharing resources made specifically for them. That alone is one step closer to making a change.


For these reasons, the resources linked below exist. They turn their focus to youth homelessness in Oregon. Whether running away is involved, or just a roof over their head is needed. It’s important for this group of people to know and understand that there is definitely help out there. Ultimately, these links serve as a start to creating the necessary change that is needed.


https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/CHILDREN/Homeless-Youth/Pages/index.aspx


https://www.janusyouth.org/programs/homeless-youth




Sources:

https://ktvl.com/newsletter-daily/oregon-homeless-youth-needs-services-largely-unnoticed-tracking-number-unhoused-community-shelter-young-homelessnessportland-willamette-valley


Image from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/7344845@N04/4136243618


- Kiara Garcia

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