Our pay it forward, C5BDI giveback continues! Our team recently committed resources and funding to support Stand Up for Kids (StandUp). Thank you very much to Brad Roberts from our team for recommending such an outstanding cause. In America, 4.2 million youth and young adults experience some form of homelessness every year (50% for the first time), from couch-surfing to sleeping on the streets or in a shelter. StandUp is a national non-profit organization dedicated to ending the cycle of youth homelessness in 18 different locations across 11 states and the District of Columbia. Since 1990, through street outreach, outreach centers, mentoring, and housing support, StandUp has cared for homeless and at-risk youth by transitioning them from crisis to connection.
***Within the first 48 hours on the street, 22% of teens are approached by someone soliciting drugs…1-in-3 are lured into prostitution***
During the last weekend of April 2021, StandUp engaged in its 30th annual “48 Hours on the Streets” public service campaign to elevate awareness of youth homelessness and the dangers typically faced in the first two days without shelter. This initiative brought upon a nationwide search for homeless and at-risk kids, between the ages of 12 and 24, to distribute food, clothing, hygiene products, resource information, and referrals. StandUp has expanded its efforts to end homelessness to 20 cities nationwide!