be a fan on Facebook
friend us on MySpace
watch us
Ali Forney Youth Testimonials
Do Something interviewed homeless youth from the Ali Forney Center (AFC) in NYC. AFC was started in June of 2002 in response to the lack of safe shelter for LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) youth in New York City. They are committed to providing these young people with safe, dignified, nurturing environments where their needs can be met, and where they can begin to put their lives back together.
As the visibility of LGBT people grows in our society, more and more queer teens are finding the courage to come out of the closet. Tragically, as many as 25% of these teens are rejected by their families, and many end up homeless on the streets. Here are the stories of two such youth.
The Forgotten Population
This video is produced by Home Base Youth Services (800-254-4297 or http://www.hbys.org). HBYS is an Arizona-based, non-profit organization founded in 1991 to address the growing needs of at-risk and homeless youth age 21 and younger by providing real life solutions to the physical, mental and emotional abuse and neglect these youth have suffered for far too long.
The video consists of gripping testimonials by real homeless youth in Arizona. They detail what life is like on the streets, their day to day experiences, and the horrors they’ve witnessed and experienced.
On the Street This video is produced by the National Runaway Switchboard (http://www.1800runaway.org/). Their mission is to help keep America’s runaway and at-risk youth safe and off the streets. Call 1-800-RUNAWAY if you are a teenager who is thinking of running from home, if you have a friend who has run and is looking for help, or if you are a runaway ready to go home. Call if you care about a youth and want information on how you can help someone who may be at risk of running from home. Their 24-hour crisis line has an experienced front-line team member ready to help you now. It’s anonymous, confidential and free. 1-800-RUNAWAY.
The video contains unscripted interviews with runaway youth who explain why they left home and the horrors they’ve experienced on the streets. You’ll see powerful images of the abandoned buildings and cardboard boxes that many runaways call home.
Homeless Teens in America
This video provides some powerful statistics and gripping snapshots of homeless youth. And at the end, the author provides a list of websites (including www.dosomething.org) you can visit to help homeless teens.
Did the videos get you thinking?
Want to know more? Here's some more stuff to chew on.
Want to help out but don't know how?
How to Run a Teens for Jeans Drive at your School
11 Ideas for a Teens for Jeans Drive