In Carroll County, an estimated 120 young people, ages 13 to 25, are homeless and living in challenging situations affecting their physical and mental health.
The local homeless are part of the 4.2 million, ages 13 to 25, who are homeless nationwide, according to a proclamation read by District 5 Carroll County Commissioner Ed Rothstein.
The Board of Carroll County Commissioners recognized November as National Youth Homelessness Awareness Month at its meeting Thursday, by reading the special proclamation and hearing from county agencies working to help homeless families, teens and young adults.
“Youth experiencing homelessness face barriers such as lack of transportation, need to care for siblings and other impediments which can impact their academic success, access to internships or future employment opportunities, participation in activities and personal economic success,” Rothstein said.
Representatives of county agencies came dressed in green to mark the proclamation.
“It’s easy to talk about the great things that are here in Carroll County,” said Ed Singer, manager of the county’s Local Management Board that coordinates community resources to help at-risk children, youth and families. “Youth homeless in Carroll County is an issue that we often don’t see. Our youth are usually not sleeping on the streets. Some of them are, but usually not. Often they are unaccompanied by their parent or even their legal guardian, and they’re living in situations that are uncomfortable.
“This challenges their ability to succeed in school and their ability to participate in activities, and to develop into successful adults,” he said.
The commissioners heard 17-year-old Milo, who described the affecy of homelessness that he and other teenagers experience.
“Many youth, they face challenges everyday just to live,” Milo said. “They have no choice but to reside in tents, vehicles, shelters, hotels, or they stay with friends and family. These places lead to a loss of personal space and many things of value and importance.
“They’re constantly worried that if something went wrong, where they’re going to sleep at night,” Milo said. “Parents are rarely there, so they’re left to fend for themselves. They’re left in unsafe, and sometimes unlivable living environments. I think we deserve better. We should have the right to live and experience normal things that teenagers should. Not stressing over where our next meal is going to be. Or where we’re going to sleep at night.”
Commissioners’ President Ken Kiler, of District 2, said as a former president of the county school board, he believes students struggling with homeless need their help.
“We need to worry about the kids who don’t have the perfect family, who don’t have two parents, maybe one, and the one I’ll say is distracted with other things going on,” he said. “We need to make sure they get their fair share.”
Rothstein agreed.
“This ain’t going away,” he said. “It’s going to be there. Whatever we can do to minimize it. Whatever we can do to crush the stigma associated with it.”
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