From The Desk of Audi - Week 3 at FYP

Hello! 

This week has been more focused on finishing up some projects. I am making the final touches to my PowerPoint presentation to present to the HALS COC meeting next week. As well as the annual sleepout on November 17th and town hall that is in a few weeks. Things are slowly coming together.

For my new project I have been working on creating a rough draft for host applications and contracts. The Fenix Youth Project has the exciting news of getting approved for host housing!

I have also learned about new policies that have been implemented that could and will affect the homeless population overall. Maryland Police Accountability Act of 2021 - Police Discipline and Law Enforcement Programs and Procedures and Maryland House Bill 189. The Accountability Act prohibits a police officer from preventing a citizen from recording the officer's actions if the citizen is otherwise acting lawfully and safely. Also learned that HB 189 is a Pilot Program in the Division of Neighborhood Revitalization to provide funds to nonprofit organizations to establish or expand mobile laundry services for the homeless. 

I’m excited to learn more during my internship.

Youth Voices Speak on Homelessness

Last school year, Wicomico County Public schools served 437 families and students in transition. Across the lower shore, youth experiencing homelessness is steadily increasing and young people are asking, “Why aren’t we doing anything about homelessness?”

On October 21, 2021, at 4:00 pm, Fenix Youth Project Inc. invites the public to attend the Youth-Led Town Hall being held at the Truitt Street Community Center to address the state of homelessness in our area and provide possible solutions. Led by young people, this town hall aims to not only provide a safe space for the community to share their personal experience but also advocate for the creation of a Bill of Rights for Citizens Experiencing Homelessness that will be created by FYP’s Youth Advisory Board (Y.A.B).

Executive Director, Amber Green is excited to partner with Salisbury University students and youth currently utilizing the Arts & Media Drop-In Center to host this event. “I think we’ve put the voices of those experiencing homelessness on the sidelines for far too long and it will take one sub-group of the vulnerable population, the youth, to provide space to another.”

Teachers, counselors, and case managers alike are asked to encourage their young people to attend this event. Food will be provided and community service hours are given to those who need it. The public is invited to this all-ages event and Fenix Youth Project is asking those who have transportation challenges to give them a call at 443-736-8028 to arrange transportation. 

A Night Out in Solidarity

Join Fenix Youth Project on November 17, 2021, for our 2021 Lower Shore Sleep Out!

Join us at the FYP Arts & Media Center or Virtually to reflect on ways we can help young people experiencing homelessness and show our solidarity with those who are homeless — and to let the world know about the ever-growing population of young people who face homelessness on Maryland's Lower Eastern Shore.

And there's more to the Lower Shore Sleep Out than a night without a mattress. Lower Shore Sleep Out raises critical funds to help Fenix Youth Project Inc. provide emergency shelter, sanctuary, and support to youth overcoming homelessness.

November is National Runaway Prevention Month (NRPM), a public awareness campaign designed to “shine a light” on the experiences of runaway and homeless youth that too often remain invisible. It is also an opportunity to spotlight the resources available to support youth in crisis throughout the nation. As part of the campaign, individuals, organizations, and communities across the nation are encouraged to work together to prevent youth homelessness.

Register today! —-> https://www.classy.org/event/lower-shore-sleep-out/e357385