homeless teens

     I thought alot about what to write about today and I think I need to write about homeless teens. Did you know that over 40% of the homeless in america are under 18? I grew up homeless, my mom kicked me out when I was 9, and my dad was a very bad alcoholic. I had spent time in foster care before this and some pretty bad things went on.  I think that foster care is a good program but some kids slip through the cracks as I did. I became addicted and it became a way of life. I had no one to help me out of my mistakes thankfully I have a wonderful grandma, I have been sober for almost 2 years now. I also volenteer at a youth center in bellingham washington called Amy's Place. The ONLY youth center in whatcom county. if you are under the age of 18 in Bellingham you can not go to the mission and all the other help for the homeless is 18+ except for churches who serve food a couple times a week. We do not have the funding to have a shelter yet, so we have a drop in center, we dont ask questions, except for age and name. We are open fridays and saturdays, all we can afford right now. We ushally have a home cooked meal, or pizza. We have person hygene products, clothes and moral support, we have an Xbox, and a computer. We encourage all kids under the age of 24 to come and have out. We also incourage volunteers and donations our website is www.amysplaceforyouth.org. Youth need help. our average teen is from 12-18 years old. I enjoy working with them so much, they are so smart, you have to be out on the streets life is hard for them. At Amys place things get hard, we dont always get funding but we will never give up! these kids need help! so spread the word!