October 10th is World Homeless Day – Ways to Support Those Experiencing Homelessness

The #CHVCatchUp is a monthly series featuring the latest updates and news from Covenant House Vancouver (“CHV”). Miss604 is proud to be the Official Blog Partner of CHV. This month’s post has been written by Jason Bosher.

World Homeless Day Facts and Stats

The 10th of October marks World Homeless Day and it’s a chance for the global community to acknowledge those experiencing homelessness. World Homeless Day draws attention to the needs of those experiencing homelessness locally and internationally, and provides opportunities for the community to get involved in responding to homelessness.

• 20% of Canada’s¹ homeless population consists of young people between the ages of 13 to 24,² and at least 6,000 young people experience homelessness every night.³
• 40% of homeless youth first experience homelessness before the age of 16.⁴
• Over 50% of homeless youth indicated abuse at home contributed to their homelessness.⁵

Real Youth Overcoming Homelessness

During this time of year, Covenant House Vancouver reflects on the amazing feats young people have accomplished. To honor the resilient young people they see every day, they share their stories: meet Tara.

Tara arrived like many young people do, struggling to make ends meet, and not sure where to turn for help. CHV welcomed her into their Crisis Program and began to connect her with resources.

Tara recently said: “I owe so much to Covenant House Vancouver for helping me with so much. Four months ago, I had no self-confidence, and the staff here keep telling me I can do anything. Now I am very confident and feel like there is nothing I can’t do.”

You can read about her journey here.

Ways to Support Those Experiencing Homelessness

Here are some ways you can show your support and solidarity for those experiencing homelessness for World Homeless Day:

• Educate people about homeless issues
• Celebrate and support those helping to end homelessness
• Highlight local issues in the media
• Donate to non-profits and service providers
• Volunteer
• Invite a guest speaker to your workplace or school 
• Host a fundraiser
• Share about #WorldHomelessDay on social media

Since 1997, Covenant House Vancouver has been providing love and hope to youth experiencing homelessness. They are the premiere service provider of residential and outreach services for homeless and at-risk youth ages 16 to 24 in Vancouver. Follow Covenant House on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more info.

Related: September is Suicide Awareness Month, Homelessness and LGBTQ2S+ Youth, Indigenous Youth are Overrepresented Among Youth Experiencing Homelessness

References

1. Gaetz, S., Gulliver, T., & Richter, T. (2014). The State of Homelessness in Canada: 2014. Toronto: The Homeless Hub Press
2. Gaetz, S., Dej, E., Richter, T., & Redman, M. (2016). The State of Homelessness in Canada 2016. Toronto: Canadian Observatory on Homelessness Press
3. Gaetz, S., Dej, E., Richter, T., & Redman, M. (2016). The State of Homelessness in Canada 2016. Toronto: Canadian Observatory on Homelessness Press
4. Gaetz, S., O’Grady, B., Kidd, S. and Schwan, K. (2016). Without a Home: The National Youth Homelessness Survey. Toronto: Canadian Observatory on Homelessness Press.
5. Gaetz, S., O’Grady, B., Kidd, S. and Schwan, K. (2016). Without a Home: The National Youth Homelessness Survey. Toronto: Canadian Observatory on Homelessness Press.