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MEDIA ADVISORYMarch 29, 2006 Homeless
Youth to Get Services, Assistance at First Ever 'Youth Connect' Event on
Monday Local organizations and community volunteers will provide wide range of services, including medical care, animal care, bike repair, library cards, shelter, and employment assistance.
Berkeley, CA - Mayor Tom Bates will kick-off the first ever "Youth Connect" program to bring a wide range of services to homeless youth at an event on Monday, April 3rd. Youth Connect, which is being staffed primarily by community volunteers, will provide services for young people in 11 areas - including medical, employment and training, education, DMV, library cards and free books, animal care, assistance to go home, transportation, warrant support and advice, and personal hygiene. We believe this is the first initiative of its kind focused on homeless young people in the Bay Area. "We know that young homeless people fall through the cracks of our traditional homeless service and outreach efforts," said Mayor Tom Bates. "By bringing our community together in one place to provide a range of useful services and programs we think we can give these young people some help and hopefully break the cycle of homelessness before their problems really compound. The best way to prevent chronic homelessness is to prevent it." Last year, Berkeley's homeless youth hostel served over 200 young people. On average, they reported being homeless for over two and one-half years. Over 36 percent of the youth reported having been in the foster care and group home system. Over half do not have a high school diploma. Youth Connect was created by the Mayor's Office, the Youth Emergency Assistance Hostel (YEAH), the Suitcase Clinic, Fred Finch Youth Center and the City of Berkeley departments of Housing, and Health and Human Services. Assemblywoman Loni Hancock and Supervisor Keith Carson are also co-sponsoring the event with Mayor Bates. In addition to the main partners, dozens of local organizations, businesses, city employees, and others are donating their time and resources to help. Employees of Caffe Venezia Restaurant have volunteered to serve a restaurant style meal to the participants from 2 - 4 p.m.. WHO:
Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates, dozens of homeless youth, community
service organizations, and local volunteers WHAT:
Berkeley Youth Connect -- the first ever effort to bring a wide
range of service specifically to homeless youth. WHEN:
Monday, April 3, 2006 WHERE: Youth Emergency Assistance Hostel (YEAH!) # # # |
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