Create more transitional living for disconnected youth
The DC Alliance of Youth Advocates found that the District's rising homeless youth population are coming from failed systems of care with no stable place to live. We must invest in youth throughout their entire development- not stopping at 12, 16, 18, or 20. Let's prove their value in our community by designating affordable housing for homeless and at-risk youth.
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Ms. Tea commented
I concur. Transitional living with counseling and work/volunteer opportunities for homeless and/or adjudicated youth (or those at-risk) would help ensure greater stability, less recidivism, and a means for developing a positive work ethic and practical employment experience (instead of resorting to criminal activity). Ideally these young people, with the right opportunities, would be able to move beyond the stigma and challenges of their less than ideal situation to gain greater independence, responsibility, earn an honest wage and move into more permanent, affordable housing as they transition into adulthood.
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Lindsay Robinson commented
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.