Leaving the family home doesn't always entail a house warming party...

When we think of young adults moving out of their parent's houses, we picture them unpacking their sparse housewares in a small--maybe a bit shabby apartment with a couple of friends. But unfortunately, this is not the reality for many Canadian young people, and it is due to something that is increasingly effecting all of us. I am talking about lack of affordable and adequate housing ("Environmental" 2006). Those youth who move away from their parents only to find themselves unable to afford adequate living arrangements are lucky if they can find protection from the elements on a friend's couch house for a while, but otherwise they are forced into emergency shelters, which--on top of not always being safe and often uncomfortable--are costly to keep running ("Youth" 2007) Furthermore, there are not nearly enough shelters to accommodate the needs of young, homeless New Brunswickers (click here to read a CBC News report on the issue.) 

However, committed community members are continually searching for new, more effective ways of solving these problems, with programs like Youth Quest, a transitional housing program for homeless Moncton youth. This article about the initiative ran in the New Brunswick Beacon in 2009, and Youth Quest continues to help the homeless or inadequately housed young people of the Moncton area today.

What can you do? You can contact your government official and insist on more affordable housing, and better funding for great programs like Youth Quest. You would be surprised what could get done once you speak up!

References

Zamperelli, J., Kraus D., Eberle, M., Serge, L. (2006). Environmental Scan on Homelessness. Retrieved from http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/odpub/pdf/62504.pdf?lang=en

(2007). Youth Homelessness. Retrieved from http://www.shelterhouse.on.ca/article/youth-homelessness-147.asp

Just another rebellious teen? Look again...

When a young man or woman asks us for some spare change, it is easy to assume that they are simply rebellious adolescents who have left home because they don't want to live by their parents rules, but in fact two of the major reasons that these young people leave their homes are abuse (physical, emotional and/or sexual) and neglect ("Youth" 2007). Furthermore, once these young people are on the street they are much more vulnerable further physical and psychological issues than young people who are living in stable homes ("Youth" 2007), and with the obstacles in their way it is much harder for them to put a life together. It is even more saddening to think that without treatment for these issues, these youth--some of them already parents, may end up raising any future children in a similar environment.

However, the homeless youth of New Brunswick are not suffering alone! There is a community of dedicated organizations that are reaching out in attempts to help them overcome these challenges, such as the Salvus Clinic in downtown Moncton, which helps less fortunate individuals tackle not only physical health problems, but also mental health issues, increasing their chances of being able to recover and get back on their feet. 

References

(2007). Youth Homelessness. Retrieved from http://www.shelterhouse.on.ca/article/youth-homelessness-147.asp

Introduction

Homelessness is an issue that we have all witnessed in some shape or form, and it is a tragic reality for too many Canadians--but did you know that a third of those are youth? ("Youth" 2007) I feel that this generation of youth have so much to offer and it saddens me to think of that potential being squandered on the streets. 
As discouraging as it may seem, though, there are so many hopeful initiatives being undertaken, here in New Brunswick not only to stop these young people from slipping through the cracks, but to help them to reach their goals and pursue their ambitions, and thus give themselves brighter futures as valuable members of society. The Greater Moncton Homelessness Steering Committee is one such initiative; it works with New Brunswickers who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless--including youth. I intend to try and help their efforts in a small way, by raising awareness of youth homelessness in New Brunswick, but also fostering hope; in each of my blog entries I will try to shine a light on youth homelessness and it's costs and consequences, but I will also offer hope. The homeless youth of New Brunswick may have a dark present, but they have bright futures, and it is up to all of us to help them get there.

References

(2007). Youth Homelessness. Retrieved from http://www.shelterhouse.on.ca/article/youth-homelessness-147.asp

And last but not least...

The final cause of youth homelessness that I will illuminate (but by no means the final cause that there is) is pretty straight forward and obvious. Tuition in this country is unreasonably high, and almost constantly on the rise ("University" 2011). 37.8 % of minimum wage workers are ages 15-19 , and in this country--as well as many others, the minimum wage is not necessarily a living wage, let alone enough to pay one's way through school ("Table" 2010). This is costing all of us, because having these road blocks in the way of their education/financial well-being is not only putting them at risk of becoming homeless or inadequately sheltered, but it is stopping so many fresh and diverse perspectives and ideas from contributing to a society that really needs them.
But there are so many dedicated professionals and volunteers out there in our community, working to bridge the gap, like Raising the Roof, which works in diverse ways to find long-term solutions to homelessness ("What we do" 2009). Click here  to hear and read some really inspiring personal stories about the journeys of homeless, and formally homeless youth, including David, a young man born right here in NB.
What can you do? Well, for starters there is a "Donate Now" button on the corner of your screen if you clicked on the last think--but that's not the only way to contribute; there are tons of other reputable organizations you can offer your help to (whether it be donating or volunteering) in your community. It could be one I've already linked to in this blog, or you could go out and find another, just get involved!

References

(2010/05/31). Table 3 Women and young people occupy most minimum wage jobs. Retrieved from       http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/75-001-x/tables-tableaux/topics-sujets/minimumwage-salaireminimum/2009/tbl03-eng.htm

(2011/07/05). University tuition fees. Retrieved from http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/100916/dq100916a-eng.htm

(2009). What we do. Retrieved from http://www.raisingtheroof.org/About-Us.aspx