Did you know that 10% of people aged 18-24 in the United States have experienced homelessness for at least one night in the past year? It’s a low percentage, yet a shocking 3.5 million young adults sleeping in whatever place they can find to lay their heads. Additionally, 83% (just over 2.9 million) of them have had foster care or juvenile justice system involvement. As a result, many are unprepared to live independent adult lives and are at great risk for becoming chronically homeless adults according to the National Network for Youth. To break this cycle, something must happen to interrupt the journey towards living an adult homeless life.
Recently I heard the story of Robert and Shariyay while listening to a radio program. Robert experienced very bad family dynamics growing up. Shuffled from house to house while in the foster care system, he was traumatized by the abuse he experienced. Eventually, he decided that he was better off taking his chances living in the streets – which was jumping from the frying pan into the fire. Like Robert, Shariyay did not grow up in the best of households. Unable to get along with her mother, she figured she would have a better life living in a tent. Ultimately, the streets won.
What changed the trajectory of both their lives was coming in to contact with someone who genuinely cared for them and guided them to find a way home. Often that person can be a peer. I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes.” To get the highest understanding of someone else’s situation you must understand her or his life experience. Really, it’s a call towards empathy.
A friend of our ministry, Dr. Robin LaBarbara, has launched Peer2Peer. Her organization works to interrupt the cycle of chronic youth homelessness. Peer2Peer Counselors with lived experience support their unhoused peers to promote recovery and resiliency. They draw upon their own experiences, which makes them uniquely equipped to provide support and encouragement as they help others heal from trauma and reach their personal goals. And on the issue of trauma, at World Impact, we’re focused on Trauma Healing as one of our five core missional programs, click here to learn more.
Would you take some time to pray for Robin and her team’s efforts? If you desire to learn more, feel free to contact her at info@p2psupports.org.
