When a young person turns 21, they are immediately ineligible for youth shelter services in New York City. Unfortunately, this means that if they are in youth shelter on their 21st birthday, they have to leave the day after.
What Happens Next?
Less than one percent of homeless youth leaving youth crisis shelter move into their own apartments with many returning to the street or other precarious situations.
The time is NOW to give young people more time to become stable and access the supports they deserve. Members of the New York City Council have introduced bills Intro. 1699-2017 and Intro. 1706-2017 to increase the age of eligibility for crisis shelter to 25 years old and increase the length of stay from 30 to at least 90 days. Safe Horizon urges the full City Council to vote on these important measures immediately.
Here is How You Can Help:
- In New York City? Click here to see who your Council Member is and send an email asking him or her to support Intro. 1699-2017 and Intro. 1706-2017. A sample email is provided below.
- Not in New York? Donate to Safe Horizon. Your support will help us provide critical services for homeless youth and victims of all violence and abuse including human trafficking, rape and sexual assault, child abuse and stalking.
Sample Email to Support Homeless Youth
Copy and paste this email:
Dear [Insert Council Members Name]
My name is [Insert Name] and I am a constituent in your district. I am emailing you today to ask for your support of Intro. 1699-2017 and Intro. 1706-2017 which would increase the age of eligibility for youth crisis shelter to 25 years old and increase the length of stay from 30 to a 90 days, among other provisions.
So many homeless youth are fleeing violence and abuse at home—they need safe places to heal and become stable. Youth crisis shelters are literally lifelines for these young people. However, only giving them until their 21st birthday and 30 days is not nearly enough to address their many needs. Simply put, they need more time and you have the power to make that happen.
As your supporter, I am asking you to please vote yes on Intro. 1699-2017 and Intro. 1706-2017 and give homeless young people a real chance of thriving.
Sincerely,
[Insert Name]