By: Aurora Ford

November is National Youth Homelessness Awareness Month, a cause close to our hearts at Covenant House Alaska. Youth across the nation face unique challenges to stable housing that differ from those of adults, often with increased risks. This is especially true in Alaska. In addition to the factors that lead to youth homelessness everywhere, like family instability, incarceration, mental illness, addiction, and poverty, youth in Alaska face a perfect storm of environmental, economic, and social conditions that make them exceptionally vulnerable to exploitation and the kinds of compound traumas that can lead to patterns of adult homelessness. So, in the spirit of the month, we would like to share some insights from our work.

Last year, we served over 1,200 teens and young adults through our programs. These young people come to us for various reasons beyond their control. In any given year, roughly 60% of our youth had either aged out of, or were still actively in, the foster care system. Between 55 and 60% disclose they have experienced domestic violence. Our experts estimate this number is probably greater, as DV is often underreported. Three out of four of our youth struggle with mental health issues, disabilities, or chronic health conditions. Also unique to Alaska, nearly half come from small rural communities throughout the state and face the sometimes overwhelming challenge of adapting to city life.

We have seen, in our 36 years of service, that with the right support and resources, these young people can overcome obstacles and thrive. We provide not just shelter, but a comprehensive range of services including transitional living, housing programs, healthcare, counseling, education, and employment support. Most importantly, we offer caring relationships and help our youth build strong connections within the community. This is particularly important as our data indicates that youth with strong relationships with at least two stable, supportive adults are less likely to experience long-term homelessness.

You play a crucial role in this work. You can donate to provide essentials like warm clothes, host a fundraiser, or volunteer your time and skills, and engage with young people who are struggling that you encounter, with kindness and respect.

This month, we are calling on Alaskans from all walks of life to use their influence, networks, and unique abilities to help end youth homelessness. Your advocacy for young people is a powerful way to educate your friends, family, community and elected officials who drive policy change. With awareness and understanding of youth homelessness and its causes, we can better support our teens and young adults who are already experiencing it, and prevent its occurrence in the future.

Please reach out to us if you want to learn more, participate in trainings we make available to the public, volunteer with your family or work teams, or help us spread the word. As we dip into winter, we want to thank you for believing in our young people as we do, and being their champions, during this Youth Homelessness Awareness Month, and always.