November is National Runaway Prevention Month (NRPM). According to a study from Voices of Youth Count and Chapin Hall, 4.2 million young people, age 13-24, experience some form of homelessness, in the course of a year. Homelessness can take on many forms and may include couch surfing, sleeping on the streets, or staying in shelters. To help reduce the incidence of youth homelessness, and draw attention to this cause, HONOR will be participating in several events throughout November. Earlier today, November 7, 2019, Orange County Executive, Steve Neuhaus issued a proclamation declaring that November is Runaway Prevention Month in Orange County.
The proclamation was read by Legislator, Rob Sassi and presented by the Chairman of the Legislature, L. Stephen Brescia.
On November 19, HONOR will celebrate the opening of the new location of A Friend’s House, Orange County’s only homeless and runaway shelter for youth, with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Orange County Chamber of Commerce. Immediately afterward, HONOR will hold a candlelight vigil at A Friend’s House to help shine a light on the experiences of runaway youth. This effort is designed to raise awareness of the issues faced by runaway and homeless youth and educate Hudson Valley residents about strategies that help prevent youth from running away from home.
“On behalf of the entire HONOR Family and for those youth we have the privilege to serve we would like to extend our humblest appreciation to our entire Orange County Legislature, County Executive Mr. Steve Neuhaus, Commissioner Darcie Miller and the countless other county employees past and present for their constant support and trust in our A Friend’s House Runaway and Homeless Youth Shelter and for recognizing November as National Runaway Prevention Month,” said Chris Molinelli, Executive Director of HONOR. He continued, “HONOR will continue to do all we can daily to assist and provide hope to the most vulnerable of souls throughout our beautiful county.”
Leveraging the theme of “Shine a Light,” National Runaway Prevention Month brings to light the issues runaway and homeless youth face every day and highlights the resources available to support youth in crisis. Resources such as the National Runaway Safeline’s 24-hour hotline and online crisis services, along with a national network of shelters and food pantries and employment training programs can make a measurable difference to youth who are considering running away as well as those living on the street.
“We are proud to partner with organizations like HONOR to extend the messages and impact of National Runaway Prevention Month in the Hudson Valley,” said Susan Frankel, Executive Director of the National Runaway Safeline, the organization that spearheads NRPM. “We can make a measurable difference in the lives of at-risk youth by joining forces and focusing on prevention strategies and resources that help ensure youth do not end up on the streets.”
Those interested in helping HONOR prevent runaways and youth homelessness are invited to attend our ribbon cutting at 4 p.m. on November 19, 2019 at A Friend’s House, 138 Seward Avenue, Middletown, and stay for the Candlelight Vigil. If you are unable to attend but would like to offer your support to the mission or simply learn more about the services HONOR offers runaway and homeless youth, please visit our website at www.honorhelpingothers.org.