According to the National Center on Family Homelessness, one in every 50 American children experiences homelessness.  Homelessness affects children in a multitude of ways, including both their physical and mental health.  Over two million youths, between the ages of 12 and 24, will experience at least one episode of homelessness each year.  More than 100,000 youth sleep on American streets for 6 months or longer, and many of these children and teens will experience violence and a multitude of abuse.  Children on the streets are at increased risk for commercial sexual exploitation, including forced street prostitution.

Earlier this year the National Center on Family Homelessness published the report, Homeless Children: America’s New Outcasts, the report highlighted America’s hidden shame and showed the devastating numbers of Americas growing problem. In the report, which surveyed 2005-2006, it was found that child homelessness has now capped that of anytime since the Great Depression.

Homeless children are more likely to be sick, go hungry, fall behind in school and twice as likely to have learning disabilities than children who are not homeless.  According to studies our biggest problem is our lack of preparation to address the increasing and serious nature of homelessness in the United States, leaving most states unable to adequately assist those in need and leaving homeless children even more in the dark.

As we continue down the path of the recession the case for child homelessness only looks to deepen, and the issue is one that still rings low on the political radar and wills.  Homelessness effects children in all states, including our own Capital, which only last month had a huge blow for the homeless population thanks to major budget cuts (some $20 million) that is only to result in the closing of more shelters.  Those shelters that will not face closure will be unable to continue serving the numbers they have been currently serving, and all and all it is once again those in need who will be hit the hardest, including the cities children.

According to the Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness, who does estimated monthly counts, there were more than 6,000 homeless persons in DC during the month of August. The group says that the figures include approximately 703 families which includes some 1,400 children.   At current DC only has 164 city-funded beds set aside for families, leaving the waiting list numbers rising to inconceivable numbers.  And DC is not alone!

Do you live in DC?  Do you want to learn more about the problems in your city and what you can do?  Come hear from local community and government leaders as we discuss the impact of youth homelessness in the District and what you can do to support local efforts to address youth homelessness.
Join FAIR Fund and the DC Alliance of Youth Advocates, with Cosponsors Councilmember Tommy Wells and Councilmember Michael A. Brown for “inVISIBLE: Shining a light on DC’s homeless youth”.

Location:
The True Reformer Building
(1200 U Street, NW)

Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00p.m.

Please rsvp to  ife at dc-aya.org