First, I know some may be asking, what is the Youth Count?
Youth REACH MD conducts an annual Youth Count that helps identify the number, characteristics, and unique needs of youth and young adults who are under 25, on their own, and without a safe, reliable, and adequate nighttime residence. Youth REACH MD (Reach out, Engage, Assist, and Count to end Homelessness) is an effort to begin to address youth homelessness in Maryland by obtaining information on the number, characteristics, and needs of youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability to help inform efforts to end and prevent youth homelessness
The Youth Count acts as an opportunity to connect with these youth to better learn about what we can do to help and connect them to initial supports and services. Survey data is then used to improve the services and resources available to support these youth and young adults in their community.
What’s Youth Homelessness like on da shore?
It’s a growing issue and quite frankly we are behind in providing these services. Thanks to Wicomico Partnerships for Families and Children, Fenix Youth Project Inc. operates the only Youth Drop-In Center that provides resources to unaccompanied youth. Currently, right now we are serving 64 unaccompanied youth clients and their ages range from 16 to 24. Reflecting the national data that is already available, Fenix Youth Project is servicing those who are overrepresented in the population, including Black youth, pregnant teens, and those from the LGBTQ+ community. In this most recent quarter data collection, of the 17 new clients we brought on in the months of January, February, and March 23% are part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Why is the count important you may ask?
Past agency efforts and state homelessness counts have mainly focused on adults and families (including younger accompanied/dependent children). This has resulted in extremely low numbers reported for unaccompanied/ independent youth and young adults who experience housing insecurity.
These youth and young adults frequently go to school and/or have jobs. Many don’t see themselves as homeless, which creates a cycle that keeps them hidden. By not viewing themselves as homeless, they don’t usually access existing community services. Not accessing the services keeps them uncounted or “invisible,” which results in fewer resources and support services available to them.
Youth can also complete the survey at our Drop-In Center anytime during the 2 weeks. If you completed that survey, screenshot the Thank You page and DM us if you want to Stay Connected or complete a Stay Connected card at our Drop-In Center. Doing that will enter you in a raffle to win BIG!
Take The Survey Today!
Share this QR Code With Your Friends!
Apr 1, 2022, don’t be a fool and not show up to our You Count: 2022 Youth Festival starting at 3:00 PM! We will be having a Road Delight Food truck! Specializing in Maryland Style Seafood and Soul Food. They will be at our Drop In Center ALL DAY, So grab lunch with us and hang with us that day! We will have community resource vendors, free boxing fitness, giveaways, live DJ and more.
And don’t forget April 1st also kicks off Poetry Month! Join us for our 2nd Under 21 Youth Open Mic. Poetry, singing, spoken word. You can sign up via our Instagram and when I tell you the Drop In Center is the place to be on first fridays it definitely is. Open Mic starts at 6:00 PM.