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Get ready to raise your voices and make a difference on Youth Homelessness Matters Day on April 17! This significant day was established in 1990 by two passionate advocates for youth in Australia, who wanted to raise awareness about and promote collaborative solutions for youth homelessness. Now, this inspiring initiative is observed globally, empowering each of us to play our part in creating a world where every young person has a safe place to call home. On this special day, we remember that youthful energy, dreams, and promise deserve nurturing in stable environments, and we reckon that's something to be truly excited about! So, join us as we stand together to end youth homelessness. Let's create lasting change, one step at a time!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inception of YHMD</div><div class='timeline-text'>Youth Homelessness Matters Day (YHMD) was established by two advocates in Australia to bring attention and collaborative solutions to youth homelessness.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2001</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>Recognition of YHMD spread globally, raising international awareness about homeless youth and their need for stability and support.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Action Programs Initiated</div><div class='timeline-text'>Organizations and schools worldwide began implementing action programs on YHMD, providing resources and assistance to homeless youth.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Campaigns Launched</div><div class='timeline-text'>YHMD becomes central to global campaigns advocating for government policies supporting homeless youth.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2018</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Youth Engagement</div><div class='timeline-text'>Increased focus on youth engagement in YHMD, empowering young people to take action and promote awareness in their communities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2021</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Virtual Events Rise</div><div class='timeline-text'>Due to the pandemic, YHMD observance moved predominantly online, reaching even more individuals through virtual rallies, webinars, and resources.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Organize a Fundraiser</h3><p class='facts-text'>Host a charity event in your community to raise money for local shelters and organizations that provide services to homeless youth. This can be a bake sale, a marathon, or even a concert with local bands. The funds raised can support programs which provide food, clothing, and shelter for those in need.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Spread Awareness through Social Media</h3><p class='facts-text'>Use your online presence to create awareness about Youth Homelessness Matters Day. You can share information about the cause, post infographics, tell stories about people who have been able to get off the streets, and share links to organizations where people can donate or volunteer. Use hashtags like #EndYouthHomelessness and #YHMD2022 to increase visibility.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Volunteer Your Time</h3><p class='facts-text'>Consider volunteering at a local shelter or organization that supports homeless youth. Oftentimes, these organizations need volunteers to help sort donations, prepare meals, mentor young people, or assist with administrative tasks. This is also a meaningful way to connect with the issue on a personal level.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Educate Your Peers</h3><p class='facts-text'>Arrange a meeting or workshop in your school or workplace to educate others about youth homelessness. You can invite a speaker from a local organization or show a documentary related to the issue. Encourage others to take action and support the cause.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Donate Essentials</h3><p class='facts-text'>Collect essential items such as toiletries, blankets, clothing, and non-perishable food items to donate to shelters. These donations make a significant difference in helping individuals who are currently living on the streets.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Promotes awareness and action</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Youth Homelessness Matters Day is important because it promotes awareness and action towards an issue that often remains unseen. It helps break down the stigma associated with youth homelessness and encourages everyone to get involved, take action, and make a real difference.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Creates opportunities for change</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The highlight of Youth Homelessness Matters Day is the various activities that are organized to support the cause, from fundraisers to donation drives. These events not only raise funds, but also strengthen communities and create opportunities for systemic change.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Celebrates resilience and potential of youth</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Youth Homelessness Matters Day isn't just about addressing a problem. It's also about celebrating the resilience, potential, and dreams of young people -- things that are too often overlooked when discussing homelessness. By focusing on these aspects, we recognize that everyone deserves a safe place to grow, dream, and thrive.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Prevalence of Youth Homelessness is Alarmingly High</h3><p class='facts-content'>It's estimated that on any given night in the United States, over 45,000 unaccompanied youth and young adults experience homelessness. Globally, the numbers are even more staggering.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Many Factors Contribute to Youth Homelessness</h3><p class='facts-content'>Homelessness is seldom the result of a singular event. Factors contributing to youth homelessness can include familial conflict, abuse, systemic failures in child welfare and juvenile justice, mental health issues, and lack of affordable housing.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Homeless Youth Face Significant Risks and Challenges</h3><p class='facts-content'>Once homeless, youth are at greater risk of exploitation, trafficking, crime, mental health issues, and dropping out of school – making their path to productivity and stability more challenging.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>LGBTQ+ Youth Disproportionately Represented in Homeless Populations</h3><p class='facts-content'>There’s a disproportionate number of homeless youth that identify as LGBTQ+. They account for up to 40% of the homeless youth population, often due to family rejection related to their sexual orientation or gender identity.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Homeless Youth are Resilient and Resourceful</h3><p class='facts-content'>Despite the odds, many homeless youth inspire with their resilience, resourcefulness, and determination. With proper support and resources, they can overcome their circumstances and build a better future – a fact that Youth Homelessness Matters Day emphasizes and celebrates.</p></div></div>
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