Homeless Youth Need Our Voice
Let’s help change the perception!
Let’s help change the discussion!
Do you see homelessness as a choice?
Do you blame them?
If yes, you’re not alone, BUT in most cases you are wrong.
And, if you are right, the choice is between living on the street and something far worse.
Today, rather than share these stats on how youth become homeless, let’s give our voice to the youth who have been through homelessness and experienced the traumas that got them there
WHAT CAN YOU DO IN 4 MINUTES?
Amplify the voices of homeless youth!
Let’s help change the perception of youth homelessness from blame to compassion by sharing direct quotes from youth who have experienced their individual and traumatic journeys to and through homelessness.
How?
Share GENTTA’s posts on… Facebook – Twitter – Instagram
Create your own posts
By copying the quote you appreciate most
MORE INFO
Stephen Gaetz, Bill O’Grady, Sean Kidd & Kaitlin Schwan. (2016). Without a Home: National Youth Homelessness Survey. Toronto: Canadian Observatory on Homelessness Press.
AwayHome – A Way Home Canada is a national coalition reimagining solutions to youth homelessness through transformations in policy, planning and practice.
The Homeless Hub – Why Do People Become Homeless?
WHAT?
GOAL
Change the perception of youth homelessness from blame to compassion
WHO?
6,000 young people experience homelessness EVERY NIGHT in Canada – A Way Home
SOLUTION
Give youth a voice by amplifying their experiences and perspectives through our social channels
“Homelessness is not what people think. You don’t choose this life, but it is a better one than before.” WOMAN, 20
National Youth Homelessness Survey
AMPLIFY THEIR VOICES ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS
The National Youth Homelessness Survey asked the participants the following:
IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WANT TO SHARE with Canadians about being a young person in your living situation?
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Why did they ask?
Because youth experiencing homelessness have a lot to contribute to the discussion. They know a lot about how systems have failed them and what supports are necessary.
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NOW LET’S AMPLIFY WHAT THEY SAID
Post any of the below quotes on your social media
#GiveThemYourVoice #YouthHomelessness #BeTheGENTTA
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Their Direct Quotes
“When you see kids’… people we are not scum. Geez, we are human beings, too. You can’t judge a book by its cover and you have no idea what I’ve been through, reason why I’m on the street, now maybe you should just sit down and talk. Then maybe you will realize why I am here today.” MAN, 21
“Homelessness is not what people think. You don’t choose this life, but it is a better one than before.” WOMAN, 20
“If your child is struggling, don’t throw them out or put them down. Fucking support them.” MAN, 17
“The system is not designed for youth. It’s complicated and needs to change.” WOMAN, 17
“I would just really emphasize patience. Be patient with us.” WOMAN, 19
“All could have been avoided if there was more support. It’s starting now and that’s good. When I aged out I wasn’t told or made aware of any programs.” WOMAN, 20
“Young people need more help than people realize. This world has changed so fast even we can’t keep up and we’re the generation that was expected to be able to.” MAN, 24
“There should be a standard of service available in every province. The system is broken and needs to be fixed. Supports need to be available for the whole family.” MAN, 17
“Not all of us are bad kids. Just made some mistakes and never had a proper family.” MAN, 20
“There has to be more services available. More in school services which would make it easier. Also more longer stay housing.” MAN, 18