Unfortunately, many of us have negative views of "charity" and trust investing in companies more than investing in people. Often, this is connected to a lack of empathy for homeless or at-risk people. I can remember many instances where I walked past someone and had very negative thoughts about them. (Why don't you get a job? How could you let yourself be homeless? etc.) What about you?
Raising the Roof, a national organization working to end youth homelessness, estimate that there are 65,000 homeless youth in Canada. In Camrose, we average almost 6 youth per night in our supportive housing. It costs us $250 to provide a bed for one month. For the vast majority, homelessness is not a choice. Many of these youth come from unstable situations. One youth texted us recently asking for housing. If we didn't have any he was going to get arrested so that he had a place to stay.
Supporting at risk and homeless youth makes economic and social sense. Housing a youth in the shelter system costs $40,000 per year while being in prison costs society $100,000 per year (>$250/night). Without a comprehensive plan to address youth homelessness the numbers of street-involved youth will continue to accelerate, and associated health care, criminal justice, social services and emergency shelter costs will continue to grow. Providing youth with educational and employment training and opportunities, stable, secure housing and essential life skills – helps them along the positive path towards independence and self-sufficiency as contributing member of society. The cost of NOT supporting homeless youth is much greater.
Join Raising the Roof's call for 65,000 acts of support for homeless youth. Buy a toque, support an agency like the Open Door that provides services and maybe, most importantly, have empathy for those that find themselves at risk.
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