Organization 'Takin It to the Street' To Find Homeless Youth

Young People Matter starts its 'Takin It to the Street' public outreach this Friday, March 30, through Sunday, April 1.

Volunteers are needed to help find runaway, homeless and street youth in metro Atlanta during 48 consecutive hours, beginning at 6 p.m. Friday. The effort will span six counties, including DeKalb, the non-profit organization said in press release.

Young People Matter provides a place for these youth through its Open Hearts Youth Shelter in Lithonia near Stone Mountain, as well as other services.

In the release, YPM executive director Simone Joye said the point of it is "to find youth who are ashamed to admit they are homeless or they have given up hope of anyone wanting them." 

"We are going to the streets, shelters, train stations, abandoned houses and anyplace else they may squat to let them know the world has not turned their backs on them," she said.

There is an emphasis on Latino youth this year. "Many have been abandoned by their parents who have had to leave Georgia due to stricter immigration laws. These youth are living hand to mouth in pockets of the metro area," she said in the release.

To volunteer, contact Chris@outreach@ypmatlanta.org.

Learn more about YPM.

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