November is National Runaway And Homeless Youth Awareness Month

We believe that youth homelessness is a community issue that requires a community solution.

Homelessness is one of the biggest social issues facing the San Diego community. We are charged with the responsibility of ensuring our entire community has access to basic needs such as food, clothing, and a safe place to sleep. During the month of November, we will be promoting a series of events to shed light on youth homelessness and how you can be an active participant in ending it. 

 


NOVEMBER 8-10 | SOLIDARITY JOURNEY

Follow along and engage through social media with our YMCA team as we travel from Oceanside to San Ysidro to raise awareness of youth homelessness in our community. We invite you to join us at rally points throughout the County to learn and share information about the challenges unsheltered youth and their families face. LEARN MORE.

 

NOVEMBER 13 | SIP, SHOP, and SUPPORT at MIMI & RED

Join us for a pop-up event at Mimi & Red. 100% of profits from all jewelry sold throughout the day will go towards programs supporting youth homelessness and other community support programs at the Y. LEARN MORE.

 

NOVEMBER 17 | COMMUNITY RALLY

We invite you to join us in a rally to lift up the voices of young people in San Diego. Wear green, wear comfortable shoes and meet us at TAY Drop-In Center at Noon as we march to Escondido City Hall. LEARN MORE.

If you are unable to join us in Escondido, our partners have organized events all throughout San Diego. Each event will have a resource table of information, speakers, and recognition by local officials. LEARN MORE.


 

THE Y'S ROLE

Since 1970, we have consistently provided unique programming that addresses San Diego's most pressing social issues and adapts to its ever-changing communal needs. By ensuring everyone has a safe place to live, a reliable support system, encouragement to pursue their goals, and access to the resources they need to flourish, our staff, volunteers and donors continue to help bring about meaningful and lasting change for the youth and families of our community. LEARN HOW.

 

 


TAKE A DEEPER DIVE INTO THE ISSUE 

For half a century, the Y has played an active role in ending youth homelessness. Here are articles, blog posts, and videos of the YMCA in action. 

Developmental Relationships for Youth Experiencing Homelessness: This issue brief, co-authored with the National Network 4 Youth, outlines the importance of relationships to help youth heal from trauma and end a homeless experience.

Your YMCA in Action: A blog describing programs the Y offers to youth experiencing homelessness.

VIDEO: The Y Responding to Community Needs: As a nonprofit navigating this challenging time, the YMCA of San Diego County relies on contributions to further our work in the community. We are so much more than a gym, or a place to swim. We are a safe place (even virtually!) to nurture and uplift all people to help them realize their fullest potential.

VIDEO: Welcome Home: In 2019, we secured a 25 unit apartment building in Escondido. We're working diligently to renovate each and every unit to create dignified and beautiful spaces for young people to call home. Check out our progress.

 

IN THE NEWS

Opinion: Youth homelessness is an invisible crisis. You likely know someone who needs help. (The San Diego Union-Tribune, Nov. 4, 2021)

Opinion: I'm 19 and have been homeless in San Diego for over a year (The San Diego Union-Tribune, Nov. 4, 2021)

Opinion: A San Diego school for homeless youth helped shape who I am today (The San Diego Union-Tribune, Nov. 4, 2021)

YMCA of San Diego County Commemorates ‘National Runaway and Homeless Youth Prevention Month’ with Solidarity Journey (osidenews.com)

YMCA of San Diego County ‘National Runaway and Homeless Youth Prevention Month’ with Solidarity Journey (The Vista Press, Nov. 4, 2021)

Weekly Briefing: Solidarity Journey in Ocean Beach (sdnews.com, Nov. 4, 2021)

YMCA Solidarity Journey From Oceanside To San Ysidro Begins Nov 8 (Patch.com, Nov. 5, 2021)

YMCA of San Diego participates in a month-long campaign to raise awareness for homeless youth (KUSI, Nov. 8, 2021)

2 Friends are Walking from Oceanside to San Ysidro to Raise Awareness for Struggling Youths on San Diego Streets (CBS 8, Nov. 9, 2021) 

San Diego YMCA Workers' Unique Journey Calls Attention to Youth Homelessness (NBC, Nov. 10, 2021)

YMCA's 'Solidarity Journey' Brings More Awareness to Youth Homelessness (KUSI, Nov. 10, 2021)

YMCA's 'Solidarity Journey' Brings Awareness to Youth Homelessness through Pilgrimage (KUSI, Nov. 14, 2021) 
 

LET'S TALK 

We are actively looking to partner with companies, foundations, and community philanthropists to support our comprehensive solution to end youth homelessness. INTERESTED?

 

INVEST IN OUR FUTURE 

The Y has nearly a dozen programs that help youth facing housing instability. Gifts of all sizes are welcome to help youth stabilize their basic needs and support efforts to develop the skills that will lead to sustained independence. 

BE PART OF THE SOLUTION