Bridge the Gap for Homeless Youth

Dear Friend,

The holidays can be a joyous time to share with family and friends, but it can also be the most devastating time for a homeless youth. Without services like Latin American Youth Center’s (LAYC) Street Outreach Program and Drop-In Center, youth can be left in the cold with few options. Max, one of these youth, has written a letter about his experiences:

“My name is Max. I am now 23 years of age. I grew up without a mother and it was really hard and stressful as a kid. I have two sisters and my grandma, who was the one that raised us three. School was really hard for me. I had to get diagnosed three times. I dropped out in the 11th grade in the beginning of the school year due to having nobody to turn to. My grandma had a stroke on the left side of her body so she needed 24-hour care. Me and my sisters had to split up and I have been on my own since. I've been through two programs that didn't work out for me. I just got put out of them so it left me back at square one, back on the streets. I've slept in empty trucks on Fifth and Florida Ave in DC, abandoned houses, apartments, and metro stations. Now I'm getting better and looking better all because of the help from LAYC. I come every day to LAYC and know that I have people who actually care about me and it's just a safe environment for me. I eat, shower, and sleep there. I come to LAYC every day since I left my job because I have nowhere else to go during the day. At LAYC I have a chance to look for jobs and get help from staff. They give me hope.”

Max continues to come to LAYC every day, receiving all of the services we offer. LAYC staff are working to connect Max with stable housing and employment so that he can make a successful transition to adulthood.

Thank you for your support during this holiday season. A donation to this program means that homeless youth can be kept safe during the cold winter months--just $10 provides a winter survival kit for a young person like Max.

Gracias,

Lori