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YOUTH CONNECT 2006 SUPPORTING OUR YOUTH Dozens of Homeless Youth Receive Medical
Care, Housing Assistance, and Other Services at Unique One-Stop Event
Over
60 young people were served by first ever “Youth Connect” event to
provide direct services to homeless youth.
Five placed in housing, 20 receive eyeglasses, 30 see a dentist. Mayor Tom Bates
kicked off the first ever “Youth Connect” program that brought a wide
range of services to homeless youth at an event on Monday, April 3.
Youth Connect, which was staffed primarily by community volunteers,
provided services for young people in 11 areas – including medical,
employment and training, education, State identification cards, library
cards and free books, animal care, assistance to go home, transportation,
warrant support and advice, and personal hygiene. “We know that many young
homeless people have lost hope. On Monday, our community came together and
brought hope to these kids. We
showed them that we care and we want to help them get off the streets,”
said Mayor Tom Bates. Last year, Berkeley’s homeless
youth hostel served over 200 young people.
On average, the youth 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 in coordination with 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 co-sponsored
the event. In addition to the main partners,
dozens of local organizations, businesses, city employees, and others
donated 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.
Lunch was cooked by Berkeley Police officers. # # # |
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note: If you are unable to access information on this website, please
contact the Mayor's Office. City of Berkeley Home / Departments / Mayor Home
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Over 60 young homeless people
received free services and a sit down restaurant-style lunch at the
afternoon event organized by the Mayor’s Office.
