Among the crowd, you notice a group of young people, their resilience apparent despite the challenges they face as homeless individuals. In this scenario, the desire to make a difference tugs at your heart.
If you’ve ever found yourself in a similar moment, wondering how to extend a helping hand to homeless youths, you’re not alone. Youth Homeless Charities will stand as your roadmap to making a positive impact.
In this article, you will discover six of the best youth homeless charities to help homeless youths.
1. Covenant House
Covenant House provides shelter and support services to homeless and runaway youth under 21. They operate over 30 shelters in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America.
Covenant House provides necessities like food, clothing, and healthcare. They also offer educational programs to help youth complete high school, earn a GED, find employment, or attend college. Mental health and addiction services are even available for those struggling with related issues.
One of their successful programs is the Rights of Passage program, which provides transitional housing and support for youth aging out of foster care. The program teaches life skills and helps them become independent, employed, and stably housed.
2. National Homelessness Law Center
The National Homelessness Law Center uses legal advocacy to protect and advance the rights of people experiencing homelessness. They provide legal rights training, pursue impact litigation, and work to advance laws and policies that prevent and end it.
If you want to support an organization using legal means to enact long-term, systematic changes, the National Homelessness Law Center is a great choice.
3. True Colors United
True Colors United is a national organization focused solely on youth homelessness. They work to prevent and end youth homelessness through advocacy, education, and community organizing.
True Colors United offers support programs for homeless youth, including:
- The Forty to None Project is a program to raise awareness about youth homelessness and advocate for policy changes.
- The True Inclusion Project teaches schools and youth programs to be inclusive of LGBTQ+ youth.
- Emergency assistance grants for youth shelters and housing programs.
4. StandUp for Kids
Founded in 1990, StandUp for Kids operates through a network of chapters in over 20 major cities across the U.S. and Canada.
StandUp for Kids’ mission is to end the cycle of youth homelessness. Outreach workers connect with kids living on the streets, build trusting relationships, and help meet their basic needs.
Aside from that, drop-in centers provide meals, showers, laundry, and a safe place for homeless youth. Transitional housing helps youth work towards sustainable independence.
5. National Network for Youth
The National Network for Youth (NN4Y) is a leading nonprofit organization. They advocate for policy changes and increase public awareness about youth homelessness.
NN4Y also focuses on LGBTQ youth, pregnant and parenting youth, and youth involved in the juvenile justice system. They aim to address the unique challenges faced by these groups. The organization uses research and data to understand youth homelessness better and shape effective solutions.
6. Ali Forney Center
The Ali Forney Center is dedicated to helping LGBTQ homeless youth in New York City. They aim to keep young people off the streets by providing them shelter and services like medical care, mental health counseling, education assistance, and job training. The center operates a drop-in center, emergency shelter, and transitional living program to meet the needs of over 1,000 youth each year.
Help the Homeless Youth, Be Part of Their Journey
Whether through shelter, healthcare, education, or job opportunities, these charities are giving young people a chance at a better future. Now it’s up to you. Consider supporting one of these charities by donating or volunteering your time. Even small acts can make a big difference.