Bridge the Gap for Homeless Youth

Happy New Year! It’s been a busy few months for the street outreach team. In fact, thanks to your continued support, we’ve served an average of 45 homeless youth per month - a record for us! Of these youth, we’ve helped 42 find safe, stable housing.  One of these youth is Hunter.

Hunter is a 21-year-old young woman who dreams of a career in social justice. She is concerned with the role of race in society and for individual identity.  

When Hunter’s mother fell ill after years of drug use and related health problems, she went to live with her father and his new family, whom she had not seen since she was a little girl. There were cultural differences with her father’s family that affected her sense of self, and she became depressed and soon after, homeless.

Hunter came to LAYC in search of housing assistance and found much more. Once placed in a safe and stable home, Hunter went on to complete job training in LAYC’s workforce program, and is now a student in LAYC’s Bard College where she is working toward six college credits in the humanities.

“LAYC saved my life. They gave me a helping hand. I was completely alone,” shares Hunter. Hunter is hopeful for the future and focused on finishing the Bard program and continuing her college education.

Hunter is only one of an estimated 500 youth who find themselves homeless in the DC region on any given night. The winter season poses even greater hardships as temperatures plummet and shelter space is at a premium.

Please consider making an additional gift during these winter months. Your support makes it possible for us to bring these youth out of the cold and into a brighter future.

Thank you,