Rally at the State Capitol on May 14th Supports Local Services for Homeless and Runaway Youth

The rally will be held at 11:30 at the Capitol steps.

The rally will be held on the steps at the Oregon state capitol Photo by: Kevin Hays

(SALEM, Ore.) - A rally for homeless youth will be held May 14th at the state capitol in Salem. Organizers say the rally represents the momentum of a movement in Oregon to recognize and meet the needs of runaway and homeless youth.

Jean Lasater with the Oregon Homeless and Runaway Youth Coalition, says that every year, thousands of older children and youth find themselves doubled up with friends, in shelters and on the streets.

"These vulnerable youth face predominantly difficult life events caused by emotional trauma, poverty, discrimination, neglect, and negative custodial or familial experiences that are beyond their control, but are within ours. We believe runaway and homeless youth should be allowed to receive services and care that build stronger youth and communities, including partnerships at the national, state, and local levels."

According to Lasater, there are only 7 runaway or homeless providers in Oregon at this time that receive federal funds to partial support their services.

"Local services for runaway and homeless youth are critical all across Oregon to provide shelter, support, safety, family reunification, outreach, & advocacy services that are beneficial to youth in need. Thus, support from our local government is imperative to help youth get off the streets and into safety."

The Oregon Commission on Children and Families requested $4.6 million for the biennium to fund these services for the first time in over a decade, Governor Kulongoski requested $1 million, and the co-chairs of the Joint Ways and Means committee have $0 in the budget for runaway and homeless youth.

Lasater is asking the community to please show support for this initiative and these young people and meet at the capitol on Monday May 14th at 9:00 am in room 50 for debriefing, networking, and more information.

The rally will be held at 11:30 at the Capitol steps. Speakers include young people from around the state, Senator Avel Gordly, Representative Deborah Boone, and from the Governor’s office, Erinn Kelley-Siel, Dr. Samuel Henry, Chair of the State Commission on Children and Families, Mickey Lansing, Executive Director of the Oregon Commission on Children and Families, and Dennis Morrow, Executive Director of Janus Youth programs.