Runaway and Unhoused Youth Prevention Month

Supporting the mental health of unhoused youth in schools is essential for overall well-being and academic success. Unhoused students often face significant stressors, including instability, trauma, and social stigma, which can severely impact unhoused student's mental health. Without a stable home environment, unhoused youth are at higher risk of developing anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders.

By prioritizing the mental health of unhoused youth, schools can help mitigate the adverse effects of homelessness, promote emotional stability, and enhance students' ability to focus and succeed academically.

To learn more how to support unhoused students, please visit the Contra Costa Office of Education website.

How We Can Help Unhoused Youth in Schools

By understanding the needs and providing targeted support, we can make a meaningful difference unhoused students lives.

Understanding the Challenges:

• Instability: Frequent moves and lack of permanent home can disrupt their education and emotional stability.
• Basic Needs: Access to food, clothing, and healthcare can be inconsistent, affecting their ability to focus and succeed in school.
• Stigma and Isolation: Fear of being judged or treated differently can prevent them from seeking help.

How We Can Help?

1. Create a Welcoming Environment: Ensure that all students feel safe and supported. Simple gestures of kindness and understanding can go a long way.
2. Identify and Support: Be vigilant in identifying students who may be experiencing homelessness. Work closely with school counselors and social workers to provide the necessary support.
3. Connect with Resources: Partner with local organizations and community services to provide students with access to food, clothing, healthcare, and housing assistance.
4. Promote Stability: Advocate for policies that support the educational stability for unhoused youth, such as transportation to their school of origin.
5. Foster Resilience: Encourage and support students in developing coping skills and resilience. Provide opportunities for them to participate in extracurricular activities and peer support groups.

By bringing together mental health service providers, community-based organizations, and programs that support these students, we aim to create a comprehensive support network tailored to the unique needs of unhoused students.

Together, we can ensure that every student, regardless of their housing situation, has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.

Further Readings:

Experiences of Unstable Housing Among High School Students

Unhoused Students Face Unique Challenges. How Can Schools Help?

Providing Care for Children and Adolescents Facing Homelessness and Housing Insecurity

Upcoming Wellness in Schools Program Events

Celebrate World Mental Health Day with Warriors of Wellness, hosted by Generation Thrive and presented by Kaiser Permanente at Thrive City! Join us for a festival-style event where educators and community members can leave with new affirmations and discover tools to enhance their classroom and personal well-being. Enjoy live performances by Bay Area artists, breakdancing, an interactive affirmation wall, and more. We know you care for Bay Area youth, now it's your turn to thrive and revive. Don't miss out!

Registration

Resources

211

211 is a free, easy to remember phone number that connects callers with health and human services in their community with health and human services in their community. 211 is a comprehensive database of information on health and human service programs throughout the Bay Area, which includes housing, shelter, and mental health programs. To access 211, call 211 or text 'HOPE' to 20121

211 Website

211 Flyer

C.O.R.E.

Coordinated Outreach Referral and Engagement (CORE) Teams assist individuals and families experiencing unsheltered homelessness by connecting them to health care, basic needs, and referrals to shelters.

Care is not available 24/7 and is not a crisis response. Call 911 for emergencies.

You can connect to CORE outreach by calling 211

CORE Homeless Outreach Website

CAPC Surviving Parenthood Resource Directory

The Surviving Parenthood Resource Directory has been developed to inform you of many of the service available for children and families in Contra Costa County.

The Surviving Parenthood Virtual Resource Directory - English/Spanish

Contra Costa Office of Education:

Youth Services Department

Youth Services (YS) provides a broad range of coordinated services for youth who are in foster care, experiencing homelessness or other barriers and need support to finish school, find a job or pursue a career path. Youth Services programs are designed to prepare students to become self-confident, self-sufficient and independent adults. To learn more about their services, please explore the following links:

Youth Services website

Education for Homeless Children and Youth

Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program

Workforce Programs

Upcoming Trainings from WISP Partners