Westminster, MD, Tuesday, November 12, 2024 – November is National Youth Homelessness Awareness Month (NYHAM). Established in 2021, NYHAM promotes understanding and awareness of the issues of youth homelessness and potential solutions for youth and their families. On Thursday, November 7th, the Carroll County Board of Commissioners proclaimed the Local Management Board (LMB) and the Carroll County Youth Action Board (YAB) to raise awareness of the needs of youth experiencing homelessness in Carroll County. 

The nationwide Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs estimates that as many as 4.2 million youth (ages 13-25) are homeless in the United States each year. Locally, the Circle of Caring Homelessness Board estimates that there are more than 120 unduplicated at-risk and homeless youth living in Carroll County.

How can you help and observe National Youth Homelessness Month? One way is to make donations to the YAB Personal Hygiene Item Drive to help raise awareness and collect items that are needed by youth and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Commissioner Gordon shared, “Our community has always rallied to assist those in need. The young adults organizing this item drive and helping their peers in schools and organizations that assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness, are an example to everyone in our county.”  Details about the drive can be found here.

“It is important to recognize that these youth are members of our community and face many barriers impacting their academic success including lack of transportation and caring for younger siblings, said Ed Singer, Director of the Local Management Board. “The LMB is committed to working with all youth to help reduce barriers and enable them to become successful adults.”