PC: Fox 11 Online
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) — November is Youth HOPE (Homelessness Outreach, Prevention, & Education) Month in Appleton.
Youth HOPE month, formerly National Runaway Prevention Month, first began in November 2002 and is presented each year by the National Runaway Safeline, which is the federally designated national communication system for runaway and homeless youth.
Home Base, a program of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley; in partnership with businesses and organizations throughout the community, seeks to raise awareness and provide services, support, and resources for young people in the community this month with Youth on the Move.
Home Base serves youth up to age 21 and families experiencing problems related to running away, homelessness, and housing insecurities. They began the Youth on the Move program in 2019 with just five partners. Last year they had over 100 partners.
Through Youth on the Move, green footprints are painted at safe places in the community where youth can seek support. The footprints help to show youth that they are not alone; and are accompanied by flyers and yard signs with information. Additionally, this month the Houdini Plaza fountain and Jones Park will be lit green to raise awareness for homeless youth.
“Runaway youth are often expelled from their homes, have experienced trauma, struggle to meet their own basic needs, and are at increased danger of falling into high risk situations including human trafficking,” said Appleton Mayor Jake Woodford.
Woodford encourages all citizens to advocate for and providing safe alternatives to this vulnerable population of young people.
4.2 million youth experience homelessness annually across the nation.
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