SAFE PLACES
The National Runaway Switchboard estimates that on any given night in the United States there are roughly 1.3 million homeless youth living on the streets, in rundown buildings, with friends or with strangers. Homeless youth are more susceptible to abuse, mental health issues, sexual exploitation, substance abuse, illness, and death. Does your community need a place where everyone can come together, to have a good time, to receive a helping hand? There are many good and long standing community centers, but maybe you community could use one, and maybe you are the one to start it.
This issue is real in every corner of the world. People need to know they have a safe place to go, when they need a helping hand. What could you WAVE do to help provide safe places for our peers to feel connected and valued? BTW: Your WAVE should be the first place they should be welcome.