We Have Hope
Illustration by YYA artist Lillian Cowan
This month had a name that made me question why we needed it, but now its name brings joy as the stigma feels like it’s been lifted. What was once known as National Runaway Prevention Month, we now call HOPE. HOPE stands for Youth Homelessness, Outreach, Prevention, and Education. As in, we’re not only preventing, we're educating. Now doesn’t this sound better?
Let's stop and think: During this month-long event, individuals give their time to work together to support the effort to end youth homelessness, with the main objective being what can be done to ensure that young people are being met where they are at. As the number of youth experiencing homelessness continues to rise, what is being done to ensure best practices are being used?
Are we truly meeting these young people if their voices have otherwise been silenced and only expected to be heard when placed on a stage? Tokenization has been the theme for too long. This month grants the opportunity for so many young people to speak up and speak out about what they are truly doing and not just who and what they are as if they were an object. It’s not just about their story and what they have gone through, but instead, what they are doing on a day-to-day basis to improve the lives of others. This month allows an opportunity for individuals to truly reflect on the work that is being done—not just the work that has been done—because that is the bigger picture. By seeing everything, we can uplift the good while recognizing the negatives. Because rose-colored glasses aren’t doing anyone any good.
The Change Begins Within
For more than two decades, the National Runaway Safeline has hosted this month-long event to uplift voices of not just youth, but providers, agencies, and anyone else who wants to put in the effort to support young people experiencing homelessness.
So, as we sit down and think about what we can do during HOPE Month, know that giving an hour of your time can make a difference in a person's life. Young people should know that no matter where they are, someone is willing to help.
The National Runaway Safeline offers 24/7 support for youth and young adults to call, text, or email if in crisis or needing intervention. NRS provides this 365 days a year, not just during the month of November. This is a specific support for young people, so having a month where young people and providers can work together creates an opportunity to show that they are willing to do the work. The only question now is: Are you willing to do the work with them?
Resources/Further Reading
- Youth HOPE Month
- Direct Support through the National Runaway Safeline
- Commemorating 50 Years of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act
- Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program 2021-2022 Counts by County, Youth Homelessness Numbers
Ejay is the current lead facilitator of their local Youth Action Board (YAB) in Berks County, PA, working alongside Lancaster and York's YAB, while also serving as a Continuum of Care (CoC) board member. Their passion is to support and uplift youth voices, with goals to continue to find supportive services for the young people in their community, and with experience in grant work and technical assistance. Ejay hopes to see youth supported in every facet.
