Anchoring Homeless Youth Santa Clara County LORRAINE FLORES

Anchoring Homeless Youth Santa Clara County LORRAINE FLORES BILL WILSON CENTER WWW. BILLWILSONCENTER. ORG

2 Youth Homelessness San Jose has the 4 th largest unsheltered homeless population in the nation It includes approximately 1, 000 homeless youth, some parenting small children, most former foster youth Almost 750 homeless youth accessed BWC’s Drop In Center for basic services such as food, clothing, showers, laundry Over 400 accessed the Drop In Center’s comprehensive services 30% college students unstably housed & food insecurities 30% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ Majority are youth of color

3 Significant Issues for Homeless Youth Suicide is the leading cause of death among street youth – 32% have attempted suicide 40% have drug/alcohol problems 61. 8% report mental health problems 71. 7% reported experiencing major trauma 75% of homeless youth have dropped out of school 95% report being sexually active More than 1/3 engage in survival sex 50% have had a pregnancy experience

4 Homeless Youth Culture Sex Trafficked Youth Gang-Impacted LGBTQ Youth Runaway Immigrant Street Youth College-bound youth

5 What Works? Youth-friendly, non-institutional setting & activities – 2 nd St. Drop In Center Trained staff in street culture, LGBTQ culture, gang culture, ethnic cultures, and trained in CSEC / Human trafficking strategies Peer staff in street outreach and in direct service Co-located services; one-stop shop Scheduled and “drop-in” appointments for mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and medical care Knowledgeable psychiatrist regarding street drugs and prescription drugs Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Care

STREET OUTREACH Trained staff Peer Partners Homeless sites are known Collaboration with other agencies “Backpack” Counseling Street fairs / tables 6

DROP-IN CENTER BASIC SERVICES One-stop shop Youth friendly Non-institutional Three meals a day, 7 days a week Laundry - Clothing Showers Pets okay Phone, mail, lockers Recreation/socialization Overnight Respite Low threshold for youth 7

8 Comprehensive Services - DIC Mental Health Services Parenting Classes 24/7 On Call Crisis Mobile Team Document Retrieval Intensive Case Management Health Related Workshops Youth Works Training Academy Medical Clinic Employment Services / Placement Housing Access Educational Support Bicycles Substance Abuse Services Outdoor Equipment Life Skills Training Recreation Daily Programming GED Preparation/Testing

9 FAMILY ACCEPTANCE PROJECT Major reason why LGBTQ youth are homeless is due to family rejection FAP demonstrates how the negative impact family rejection can have on LGBTQ youth Shows the importance of involving parents, teaching them how acceptance of their LGBTQ child impacts their lives Even the smallest indication of support makes a difference Importance of “re-connecting” homeless LGBTQ youth with family

10 Bill Wilson Center

11 Thank You!! For further information and a tour of BWC programs, please contact: Lorraine Flores, LMFT Senior Director of Program Development and Impact 408 850 -6131 Lflores@bwcmail. org www. Bill. Wilson. Center. org