Runaway & Homeless Youth Awareness Month | November 2010

November was officially declared National Runaway & Homeless Youth Awareness Month by the United States Congress on July 11, 2007. November 2007 marked the first time that National Homeless Youth Awareness Month was officially recognized. The California Coalition for Youth (CCY) currently participates in the national planning committee for National Runaway Prevention Month, which is also in November, and has made efforts for the past few years to do activities within Sacramento and throughout the state to raise awareness about runaway and homeless youth in California. The California Homeless Youth Project (HYP) has been involved in research and policy education efforts in Sacramento for the past few years. These two organizations are inviting other California organizations to partner with them to implement a range of activities to raise awareness and increase advocacy on behalf of homeless youth. Senator Carol Liu has agreed to introduce a state resolution declaring November the first-ever California Runaway and Homeless Youth Awareness month.  We hope to capitalize on the recent traction the issue of youth homelessness has gained and work to coordinate a better and broader action agenda. Check back soon for ways you can help recognize November as Runaway & Homeless Youth Awareness Month.

For more information, please contact:
Heather M. Dearing, MSW
Executive Director
heather@calyouth.org
(916) 340-0505