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!
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
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