Familylinks Supports National Youth Homelessness Month
Pittsburgh, PA – (November 8) – Familylinks, a leading provider of human services in Western Pennsylvania, announces a month-long awareness campaign in honor of National Youth Homelessness Month to spotlight its Downtown Outreach Center and Shelter (DOCS).
DOCS is the only shelter in Allegheny County serving young adults, ages 18-25, who are experiencing homelessness. This year marks the 40th anniversary of this essential 24/7/365 shelter. With rising challenges impacting youth and young adults, Familylinks is committed to helping bridge the gap between homelessness and hope.
Across the United States, approximately 4.2 million youth and young adults experience homelessness each year, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness. This critical issue affects the Pittsburgh community deeply, leaving young people vulnerable to physical and mental health challenges, disrupted education, and limited job and housing opportunities. DOCS aims to address these issues, offering a comprehensive array of services, including basic needs, case management, counseling, and job and housing readiness programs, with the ultimate goal of helping each young adult find permanent housing.
“Our mission is to provide a safe place where young people can feel supported, find resources, and build the foundation they need to thrive,” said Stacey Vaccaro, Familylinks’ President and Chief Executive Officer. “National Youth Homelessness Month is a powerful opportunity to spotlight this issue and share how the community can join us in supporting these incredible young adults.”
Throughout November, Familylinks will host several initiatives designed to raise awareness and encourage support for the DOCS program, including:
· Social Media Campaign: Familylinks will share stories of resilience from young adults served by DOCS and information on the impact of youth homelessness in Pittsburgh, including a virtual tour of the shelter.
· Donation Drives: Familylinks will be collecting essential new items like hygiene products, winter clothing, and blankets to meet the immediate needs of young people entering the DOCS program. Note: Familylinks cannot accept gently used items.
· Fundraising Efforts: Community members will have the opportunity to make direct donations to sustain DOCS programming.
Familylinks invites local businesses, individuals, and partners to join in support of National Youth Homelessness Month. Together, we can shine a light on youth homelessness and empower young adults to build a brighter future.
About Familylinks
Familylinks is a human service provider that exists to positively impact lives. Serving the most vulnerable members of our community, Familylinks provides services in the areas of mental health, substance use, service coordination, emergency shelter, supportive housing, senior care, and more. Annually, Familylinks serves 11,000+ individuals throughout 24 Pennsylvania counties. To learn more, visit www.familylinks.org or call 866-583-6003.
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