Continue Funding Homeless Youth Shelters in New York!

  • by: Care2.com
  • recipient: New York Governor Andrew Cuomo
A 2008 city council census found that more than 3,800 youth and young adults in New York City don't have a place to sleep on any given night. Yet, the few resources available to homeless young people are on Governor Andrew Cuomo's chopping block in his 2011 state budget bill. As a result of these proposed budget cuts, as many as 1/3 of youth shelter beds could disappear in New York.

Homeless youth are far more likely than their peers to experience assault, mental health issues and substance abuse. Many homeless youth lack life skills that are vital to adulthood, making homeless youth programs even more crucial. In addition, LGBTQ youth disproportionately make up 40% of this population, where they are far more susceptible to HIV/AIDS than their peers.

In Governor Cuomo's proposed budget, $85 million designated for youth and family services would be replaced with a $35 million competitive block grant. This means that $4.7 million earmarked for homeless youth programs would vanish and these organizations would have to compete against much more popular programs for a smaller pool of money.

Tell Governor Cuomo to continue funding programs targeted at some of New York's most vulnerable residents!
Dear Governor Cuomo,

I am writing to urge you to continue funding vital services for homeless youth in the 2011 state budget.

[your comments here]

A 2008 city council census found that more than 3,800 youth and young adults in New York City don't have a place to sleep on any given night. With your proposed cuts, the number of shelter beds for young people would be cut by nearly 1/3.

Homeless youth are far more likely than their peers to experience assault, mental health issues and substance abuse. In addition, LGBTQ youth disproportionately make up 40% of this population, where they are far more susceptible to HIV/AIDS than their peers. Supporting homeless youth programs is especially vital, because many homeless youth lack the life skills and life experiences that are vital to adulthood.

The state of New York is certainly facing difficult spending cuts, but abandoning youth and young adults in dire need of support is no way to tighten the state's budget.

Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
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