With the month of August underway and youth returning back to school, it’s important we take a closer look into the issue of housing instability, an issue that youth in Cleveland, and across the state, are facing, what support is being provided to them in order to succeed, and what you can do to get involved.
- 359 – estimated # of students unsheltered in Ohio in during the 2018-2019 school year
- 2,972 – estimated # of students experiencing homelessness in CMSD during the 2017-2018 school year
- 4,800 – estimated # of students in shelter in Ohio during the 2018-2019 school year
- 20,890 – estimated # of students doubled up in Ohio in the 2018-2019 school year
- 21,118 – estimated # of youth experiencing homelessness in Ohio in the 2020-2021 school year
At LMM, our Youth Resiliency Services program takes a holistic approach to meet the basic needs of youth facing housing instability and adversity. Here are a few ways how:
A 24/7 site, licensed by the Ohio Department of Jobs & Family Services, admitting youth ages 13-17 aimed at supporting children in crisis.
Program designed for transition-aged youth ages 16-24 to develop the skills needed to live independently prior to exiting the foster-care system.
Accessible 24/7 and after-hours for support, and provide weekly oversight to remove any barriers that may arise to fulfill independent living transition planning requirements.
A place where young people between the ages of 16-24, who are striving for the stability of a home, can find respite and safety while working to achieve their goals. A drop-in center provides access to laundry, hot showers, clothing, a kitchen, and meals. It also provides a space to form relationships and community with other young people, caring adults, and supportive staff.
While LMM provides services at the agency level, you can take action on this issue at an individual level by staying informed and directly supporting youth in need. Here are a few ways to do so:
- Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to stay up to date on our Youth Safety and Back to School campaign.
- Sign up for LMM’s weekly e-newsletter and Advocacy Alerts to stay informed.
- Make a gift to LMM’s Youth Resiliency Services program.
- Learn more about LMM’s youth programs by visiting our Youth Resiliency Services.
- Donate to LMM’s Youth School Supplies Drive.
- Read more about barriers impacting youth:
- Youth homelessness remains a problem in Ohio – Ohio Capital Journal
- The $44,000 Question: Examining Disengaged Youth in Cuyahoga County – The Center for Community Solutions
- Racism as a Public Health Crisis: Mental Health Pipeline – The Center for Community Solutions
- Searching For Cuyahoga County’s “Disconnected Youth” – ideastream
- Supportive Housing and Health Services for LGBTQIA+ Youth Experiencing Homelessness: Promising Practices – National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center
