Agenda Text
title
That this Board supports H-3838, An Act Providing Housing and Support Services for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth.
body
Official Text
WHEREAS, The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education estimates that nearly 6,000 high school students are homeless and without adult support and even more are not reflected in these numbers because they have dropped out of high school; and
WHEREAS, Homeless youth face bleak outcomes, including untreated health problems, increased risk of death, exposure to violence, susceptibility to exploitation, high risk behaviors, and poor academic performance that can perpetuate a cycle of dependence on public systems and benefits; and
WHEREAS, In 2011, Bridge Over Troubled Waters served 2,600 youth in need of a range of services including medical and dental care, transitional day programs, GED support, parenting support for their children, emergency shelter services, counseling, and of youth they served:
• 73% were homeless;
• 67% had dropped out of high school;
• 80% were unemployed;
• 43% received public benefits;
• 30% had substance abuse issues;
• 71% were in need of survival services (e.g. food, clothing, medical/dental);
• 33% were pregnant or parenting;
• 24% were in the foster care system;
• 30% identified as GLBTQ;
• 42% had cognitive or physical disabilities; and
WHEREAS, There is currently no dedicated funding stream for a continuum of needed housing, medical and support services for unaccompanied homeless youth; and
WHEREAS, The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless has been coordinating with a strong network of stakeholders in Boston and statewide to increase housing and support opportunities for unaccompanied youth and young adults ages 14-22 who are experiencing homelessness; and
WHEREAS, The State Legislature is currently considering H.3838 An Act Providing Housing and Support Services for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth, which would create a dedicated line-item for services specifically for unaccompanied homeless youth and establish a statewide commission to improve services for these youth; NOW THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED, That the Somerville Board of Aldermen hereby goes on record in support of H.3838, An Act Providing Housing and Support Services for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth and urges the Legislature to pass the bill this legislative session.