When you read that 1 in 3 homeless people in the US are under the age of 18, it really breaks your heart. And it is sad to think that the average age of a homeless person in central Indiana is 9 years old. In 2009 Indianapolis Public Schools reported having 1,529 homeless students --> IPS Troubling Tallies 
We forget that homelessness knows no boundaries. Homelessness does not discriminate..it affects the old and the young....and all of us in between. 

11 Facts about Homeless Youth*

1. The National Coalition for the Homeless defines homeless youth as individuals under the age of eighteen who lack parental, foster, or institutional care.

2. 1 out of every 3 homeless people are under the age of 18.

3. 1.6 to 1.7 million people under 18 will experience homelessness each year.

4. The majority of homeless and runaway youth are between the ages of 15 and 17, however three out of 100 runaways are under the age of 10, and 11 out of 100 are between the ages of 11 and 13.

5. Approximately half of all runaways were physically abused before fleeing home.

6. Up to a third of runaways have been forced to perform a sexual act against his/her will.

7. Half of all runaways left home because of a disagreement with a parent or guardian.

8. A third of all runaways will attempt suicide.

9. Homeless youth are up to ten times more likely to have or contract HIV than non-homeless adolescents.

10. A tenth of homeless and runaway females are reportedly pregnant.

11. This year, one in 260 runaways and homeless youths will die from assault, illness and suicide.

*Sources: National Coalition for the Homeless, National Runaway Switchboard

Now for the Good News: There is a website that encourages teens to "Do Something". DoSomething.org believes teenagers have the power to make a difference. They leverage communications technologies to enable teens to convert their ideas and energy into positive action. They inspire, empower and celebrate a generation of doers: teenagers who recognize the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action.

This website has great information on the homeless youth: Click Here  And it has great ideas for teens on how they can....Act Now!

Take a look how DoSomething.org, Aeropostale & teenagers were able to make a difference earlier this month:--> Teens for Jeans 

We all have the ability to "Do Something" whether it is to donate money or volunteer....we all need to be inspired & empowered to take Action!

I will finish this entry with words from Robert Shaffer: 
"We must view young people not as empty bottles to be filled but as candles to be lit."

Always Inspired & Empowered,
RJ ♥