Kind Karma Inspiration

A high percentage of homeless youth experience declining mental health. 85.4% of homeless youth fall into the “high symptom/distress” category for mental health and 42% have reported at least one suicide attempt. And yet, they don’t always receive the same empathy, treatment or understanding that others in society may receive. This experience from one of our youth employees tragically outlines how her mental disorder was dismissed and she had to struggle to prove she was suffering. With World Mental Health Week drawing to a close, we wanted to share this as a friendly reminder that it is crucial to always...

You first read this youth's story when she bravely opened up about her experience in sex trafficking. Now, with the first month of school coming to a close, we wanted to share her continuing journey in a new place, in a new environment as she pursues a post-secondary education to better herself. We are so proud of her and her undefeatable spirit and hope you will celebrate her success along with us. "We all sometimes dream of running away, of escaping the mediocrity of daily life, and starting over again. I too spent a lot of time wishing I could...

It is easy to view homeless individuals through stereotypical lenses that they are homeless through bad choices or criminal actions but the truth is, most of the youth are there as a result of situations they cannot control. In a national survey, almost 80% of homeless youth reported leaving home because of abusive relationships and 63% of homeless youth reported childhood trauma and abuse. This account, from one of our youth employees, tells her story of how she ended up on the streets.

When we think of abuse in a relationship, the majority of us will first picture physical abuse. But the truth is, emotional abuse and psychological manipulation often leave a more devastating impact on its victims because it fills the mind with self-doubt. And while it can affect any of us regardless of social or financial status, a lot of times, it happens to the most vulnerable. Here is a story from one of our youths about her experience being manipulated into prostitution and her reflection on the experience from where she is now.