Page 3 - HL AUG21 Flip

COLLEGE STUDENTS & HOMELESSNESS

HOME

SWEET

HOME

No HOME SWEET HOME sign hangs in the issues, such as abuse, neglect, parental
entry because she lives on the street. substance abuse or family conflict lead
many young adults to homelessness.
Meet Lily, a young twenty-year-old trying
to make her way in life and struggling to Surprisingly, approximately 25% of
America’s homeless population is under
make ends meet. She attends college
DID YOU classes, works a minimum wage job and age 24, and college students like Lily,
KNOW? must be creative when it comes to her living represent 16% of that population, as
arrangements. With low wages and the lack reported in HUD’s 2020 Annual Homeless
of affordable housing, her options are bleak. Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress.
3.5MM After leaving an abusive home, Lily found
Young adults are affected Currently, she is camping in the woods herself sleeping in her car, staying with
by homelessness. without running water and is thankful for
the warm Michigan weather. She is very friends for short periods, and she’s now
living in a tent until the weather drives her
25% grateful for the food she regularly receives inside. She prefers to be called unsheltered
from Muskegon Rescue Mission’s pantry
Of homeless population and appreciates those who donate and rather than homeless, as it carries less social
stigma. Shame has driven her to hide her
is under 24 years of age. support this important program.
living situation from her employer, co-
Lily knows firsthand how stressful,
16% humiliating, and dangerous being homeless workers, teachers, and even some friends.
She doesn’t want their pity or for them to
Of homeless population is. It is a hard day-to-day existence and not look at her differently. She works hard to
one that she would choose. She is already
blend in and to remain unseen.
are college students. making plans for when cold weather will
force her from the forest and takes comfort Lily goes to sleep without the safety,
knowing she will find safe shelter and stability and support of a family or a
kindness at MRM’s door. home. She knows she can’t go back and
change the beginning of her life, so she’s
She is part of the growing number of determined to change her future. She
young adults forced onto the streets dreams of one day living in a warm, loving
before they are financially ready to support home where she can hang her HOME
themselves. Instability at home and family SWEET HOME sign.

August 2021 | Harbor Light 3