Homelessness

I have been doing some reading around young people and homelessness. it is apparent that as young people transition from state care (CYFS Care), to adult hood, this is a very vunrable time. For those already vunrable, at the age of 17, and often ill prepared, young people must begin to build their lives- a home, friend/support networks, job/training, manage money etc. This is a a huge call for someone of this age, and who has not had the support, stability and security of family home. So often this is where young people end up struggling and one of the possiblitites is homelessness.

Many researchers emphasise the need for support and a longer transitional period for young people from care into independant living. A question then goes off in my heart. Where is the communtiy to support these young people, where is the place of grace, love and support. Perhaps isntead of isolation and an individualistic appraoch, the church needs to embrace partnerships in its approach to the community, and provide quality support where the needs are. ANother thought is that there is a nother level of personal response from us. If this is an issue in our communities, lets be moved individually be moved to care and support those who need it, sacraficing time, perhaps opening our homes, mentoring someone, even just befriending!

in such a complex big issue, there are complex responses also... but maybe there are also simple ones...?