Why are these Youth Homeless?
There are many different reasons a youth could be homeless, some surprising and some traumatic:
- Abuse and Neglect
- Being Forced out
- Developing mental illnesses
- pregnancy
- substance abuse
Not Their Fault!
Some people may tell you that it is a homeless youth's fault they're homeless and that they should experience the consequences of their choices. I do not believe this because as my research has showed me; many homeless youth have NO OTHER CHOICE. When being abused, many youth thought it safer to be on the streets then where they already were.
I know that for issues such as substance abuse, it is a choice. But when given a second chance, a youth will have the potential to be something beautiful.
I also take into consideration the fact that we all are born into different circumstances and sometimes these circumstances are not what we would chose. Some teens and children are born into dysfunctional families and are at risk of many things at an early age. They expect limited futures and are not able to dream of being a doctor or a scientist like their friends are. This is unfair. All youth should be given opportunities in their communities to exceed, and go far. They shouldn't grow up while dreading their future.
This shows us that homeless youth have limited options while they decide to live on the streets.
I know that for issues such as substance abuse, it is a choice. But when given a second chance, a youth will have the potential to be something beautiful.
I also take into consideration the fact that we all are born into different circumstances and sometimes these circumstances are not what we would chose. Some teens and children are born into dysfunctional families and are at risk of many things at an early age. They expect limited futures and are not able to dream of being a doctor or a scientist like their friends are. This is unfair. All youth should be given opportunities in their communities to exceed, and go far. They shouldn't grow up while dreading their future.
This shows us that homeless youth have limited options while they decide to live on the streets.
Rejected
How would you feel if the parents/guardians that raised you and have been with you for your entire life kicked you out.
This happened to many homeless youth. The haunting thought of how you were forced out by your own family would replay and replay and replay in your mind, maybe even causing you to fall into a deep pit of depression.
This happened to many homeless youth. The haunting thought of how you were forced out by your own family would replay and replay and replay in your mind, maybe even causing you to fall into a deep pit of depression.