In a recent government meeting, representatives from the Youth Connection highlighted the urgent issue of youth homelessness in Mason County, revealing alarming statistics and outlining their commitment to addressing the crisis. The organization operates two drop-in centers and six off-site shelter houses, catering to young people aged 12 to 24, with a specific focus on preventing chronic homelessness.

A representative shared that as of the end of August, 88 young individuals had accessed their intensive case management services, all of whom had been homeless since the beginning of the year. The representative emphasized the staggering figure of 34,703 unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness in the United States, marking a 15% increase from the previous year. This translates to approximately 1 in 10 young adults aged 18 to 24 and 1 in 30 adolescents aged 13 to 17 facing homelessness annually.

The Youth Connection aims to create a safe and inclusive environment for these vulnerable individuals, providing essential resources and support. They are advocating for House Bill 1590, which could potentially enhance local efforts to combat youth homelessness. The organization has committed to developing a dedicated housing space for unaccompanied youth over the next two years, emphasizing the need for protection and support for those without familial ties.

The representative concluded with a call to action for local officials, urging collaboration to establish a safe haven for homeless youth in the community. The overarching goal is to foster a solution-focused approach to the homeless response system, emphasizing unity and proactive measures to address this pressing social issue.