From Kalisha’s Desk—November Edition

November is National Youth Homelessness Outreach, Prevention, and Education (HOPE) Month, and I have found myself thinking a lot about the many paths that can lead a young person to homelessness. Recently, community partners hosted a screening of “No Address,” followed by a panel discussion about homelessness in Omaha and the ways our agencies are working together to respond.

As I listened to the conversation, I kept coming back to one simple truth: there is no single path into homelessness. Some youth have run away from unsafe situations. Some are navigating family conflict. Some have lost a parent or caregiver. Others are part of families experiencing homelessness themselves. Every young person arrives at our door with a different story. What I have learned through my work at YES is that while every story is different, young people need the same things: safety, stability, and someone who will meet them where they are.

Whether that is emergency shelter, housing support, outreach, or basic needs, YES is here when youth need us. As we recognize National Youth HOPE Month, we want to honor the courage it takes to ask for help. On November 12, our staff wore green to raise awareness and show support for youth experiencing homelessness and housing instability. If you would like to support YES this month, consider doing the same, making a donation or signing up through our Meal Calendar. Every meal and every gift helps us continue showing up for young people when they need it most.