Working to create a world in which every young person has a safe place to call home.
In the US, 170,000 youth between the ages of 18 and 24 are homeless.
In Massachusetts, there are thousands of homeless youth.
In Greater Boston, the most conservative estimates are 400-500 homeless youth on any given night.
There are only 12 emergency beds to accommodate them
This group of young adults, aged 18-24, has an entirely different set of needs than the general homeless adult population, and often are very unsafe in traditional adult shelters, which are not set up to accommodate their separate needs. In fact, many homeless young adults prefer to stay on the streets, rather than in adult shelter. Youth sleeping on the streets face a higher risk of sexual assault, violence, mental illness, and suicide.
We are looking to open up a program for 10-15 homeless young adults. In addition, to basic services like internet, laundry, and showers, we will connect youth with professional resources, from case management, to health care, to financial planning, to legal aid. Through an innovative self-advocacy model, we will create opportunities for young adults experiencing homelessness to advocate for themselves. From a youth advisory board, to opportunities to meet with legislators, to speaking on panels and at events, the youth we serve will create their own structural solutions.
Opening in Fall 2014, we are currently working on fundraising, building a model and locating a space. To learn how to get involved, visit us at www.hshsyouth.org or follow us on Twitter - @HSHSYouth!
If you'd like to make a donation, please go to pbha.org/donate, select "Harvard Square Homeless Shelter" under designation, and write "HSHS New Initiatives" under "Specific Needs"
