Lots of young people experiencing housing instability just want to fit in. So they’re very good at making it look like nothing’s wrong. But with 1 in 13 youth experiencing homelessness*, we'd encourage you to look closer and steer someone you know towards the support they need.
Tips for how to help:
Listen to your instincts & delicately build trust.
Because homeless youth often work hard to mask the reality of their situation, let your intuition guide you if it seems like someone you know might need help. Talking directly about their situation can be tricky, so be sensitive and empathetic while building trust. Let them know you’re in their corner and try to learn more about their life, hopes, dreams and challenges.
Be encouraging & steer them towards available support.
If possible, find openings to talk about how lots of us face struggles in life, and that our unique hurdles are nothing to be ashamed of.
In fact, there are others, right here in Boston, facing similar challenges who have been able to find success by tapping into the wide range of resources and support at Bridge Over Troubled Waters.
Learn more about the issue & ways to get involved.
By understanding its causes, who it affects and how the broader community can get involved, you CAN help make a difference:
Have specific questions? Please feel free to email us: Bridge@BridgeOTW.org
A huge thanks to our amazing sponsors who help support our community every day!
*According to the Chapin Hall Voices of Youth Count, 1 in 10 young adults ages 18-25, and at least one in 30 adolescents ages 13-17, experience some form of homelessness unaccompanied by a parent or guardian over the course of a year. Learn more here.
Bridge Over Troubled Waters offers comprehensive support services for homeless youth, including:
