In DC, there are only 223 beds for homeless youth, and only 66 beds are for transitional living (with the others for temporary, emergency stays). Compared to the District's homeless youth population of more than 1,400, this is woefully inadequate.
My group, StandUp For Kids-DC, has heard from many young people who are trying to get into transitional living programs, but have been put on months-long waitlists. While they wait, they often stay in unsafe shelters meant for adults, where their particular developmental needs are rarely met.
DC has the resources to make a difference -- it recently announced that it has a $240 million budget surplus. Vote now to tell Mayor Gray and the District council members that supporting young people with nowhere to go should be a priority.
In DC, there are only 223 beds for homeless youth, and only 66 beds are for transitional living (with the others for temporary, emergency stays). Compared to the District's homeless youth population of more than 1,400, this is woefully inadequate.
My group, StandUp For Kids-DC, has heard from many young people who are trying to get into transitional living programs, but have been put on months-long waitlists. While they wait, they often stay in unsafe shelters meant for adults, where their particular developmental needs are rarely met.
DC has the resources to make a difference -- it recently announced that it has a $240 million budget surplus. Vote now to tell Mayor Gray and the District council members that supporting young people with nowhere to go should be a priority.