November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, where we acknowledge and raise awareness of the problems faced by youth, families, and individuals at risk and experiencing homelessness and food insecurity.
In January of 2020, there are 91,068 homeless students (youth aged 18-24) living in the state of Florida. Florida is ranked 5th for the largest homeless population in the United States.
One in ten young adults ages 18-25 and at least one in 30 adolescents ages 13-17, experience some form of homelessness unaccompanied by a parent or guardian over the course of a year.
29% of homeless youth report having substance misuse problems
69% of homeless youth report mental health problems
33% had once been part of the foster care system
50% of homeless youth have been in the juvenile justice system, in jail, or detention
27% of LGBTQ+ youth who are homeless reported exchanging sex for basic needs compared to 9% of non-LGBTQ+ youth who reported having to exchange sex for basic needs.
The pandemic that spread across the globe has only amplified the national housing crisis and food insecurity in this country. Experiencing homelessness and food insecurity can cause a decline in one’s mental health, physical, and emotional health. Instability can impact an adolescent’s educational development and well-being because they cannot perform their normal routine. Along with losing their house, adolescents and youth lose their community, sense of safety, and even their friends. Without a home to go to, many youths are exposed to countless threats while surviving on the streets.
If you or anyone you may know is experiencing homeless, here are a few resources for meal sites and shelters to offer.
Shelters
Salvation Army
1514 N. Florida Ave Tampa, FL 33602
813-549-0641
Cove Behavioral Health
3630 N. 50th St Tampa, FL 33619
813-621-8781
ACTS
6806 N. Nebraska Ave Tampa, FL
813-246-4899
Metropolitan Ministries
2002 N. Florida Ave Tampa, FL 33602
813-209-1269
Mary and Martha House
1009 SW 1st St Ruskin, FL
813-641-7027
Meal Sites/Food boxes
Tampa Bay Harvest
9430 Lazy Ln Tampa, FL 33614
Feeding Ministries Global Nonprofit Inc.
1254 Channelside Dr, Tampa FL
813-544-0488
Guided Path Foundation
8307 N. Armenia Ave Tampa, Fl 33604
813-373-6649
Tampa Jewish Family Services
13009 Community Campus Dr Tampa, Fl 33625
813-960-1848
Metropolitan Ministries
Holiday registration link:
Feeding Tampa Bay
If you or anyone you may know is interested in volunteering during this holiday season, here are some organizations who are in need of volunteers for the holidays.
Metropolitan Ministries
o Seasonal opportunities link:
Catholic Charities
o 813-631-4398
St. Vincent St. Paul
o 813-977-7057
Feeding Tampa Bay