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A recent report comparing the experiences of Caucasian and African American homeless youth describes stark differences between how those two groups seek and access support services, including the key finding that African American youth are less likely to self-identify as homeless, suggesting their numbers may be larger than previously believed.The implication for homeless service providers, say researchers, is clear: programs need revamping if they are to meet the needs of what is ostensibly an invisible population.

The group that released the report, the California Research Bureau, is co-hosting a press conference with State Senator Carol Liu next week to unveil a State Action Plan to End Youth Homelessness, authored by the Homeless Youth Project (HYP). The action plan was largely informed by the aforementioned report, and supporting research. Young people, homeless service providers and policy experts are expected to attend the briefing, which will take place on January 8th at 10am, in room 3191 of the State Capitol.

The release of the report and action plan comes at a time when youth homelessness is gaining national attention. The issue caught the eye of the Obama Administration – the federal government launched a campaign last year to count the number of young people on U.S. streets — while The New York Times reported a growing number of 18-24 year-olds are sleeping in cars or couch surfing, due in part to a dried up job market.
Los Angeles and Boston both recently completed counts of homeless youth in their respective cities. Meanwhile, in San Francisco, the 200 African American and white homeless youth surveyed for the HYP report convey insights that go beyond a tally sheet. The report was co-authored by Colette Auerswald, associate professor at the University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, and Ginny Puddefoot, a former director at HYP
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article courtesy of BCNN1.com

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