VUlnerable youth
Most of these young people leave home because of severe family dysfunction, including abuse and neglect. This abuse is linked to higher rates of depression and attempted suicide, as well as poor physical health.
Many homeless youth are forced to trade their bodies for a shower, a hot meal, or a bed. Experts have reported that within 48 hours of running away, an adolescent is likely to be approached to participate in prostitution or another form of commercial sexual exploitation (Spangenberg, 2001).
Youth unemployment is a huge issue for our community.
Many students who do graduate from high school do not find employment. In 2012, the Upjohn institute studied the City of Waco and found that in terms of living in poverty, 16-24 year olds were the most likely to be unemployed. The Financial Security Steering Committee of Prosper Waco has identified “increasing youth employment” as one of their top three goals. But, because students do not have stable housing and are often moving from place to place, access to help is extremely difficult to find.
“I really do appreciate everything y’all have done for me and putting up with me. Without the cove, I’d be on the streets, so you have all my gratitude. ”
