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TAKE A WALK IN THEIR SHOE TO AID HOMELESS AND VULNERABLE KIDS

NATIONAL HOMELESS YOUTH AWARENESS MONTH

 (9/26/2022) – As part of a nationwide effort calling attention to youth homelessness and commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), Ocean’s Harbor House is sponsoring its 3^rd annual “Take a Walk in Their Shoes.” The 2-mile walk on the Asbury Park boardwalk will be held on Sunday, November 6^th from 9 to 10 a.m. November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month.

“It is estimated that 2.5 million kids per year experience homelessness, many here in Monmouth and Ocean counties, stated Tim Zeiss, Director of Development & Marketing. Tragically, that number is believed to be higher because many kids are couch surfing, therefore going unreported.”

Long standing causes of youth homelessness such as family conflict, abuse and neglect have increased exponentially the past two years. Many kids are rejected by their families because of coming out. Additionally, mental health issues among teens have skyrocketed. Anxiety and depression and the rate of suicides among young people is at an all-time high.

“The kids we help in our shelter, transitional living home, and various other remediation and prevention services, come from families experiencing financial and housing insecurity, family conflict, abuse, violence, neglect and substance abuse,” added Zeiss. We rescue kids from heartbreaking situations and prevent them from falling prey to tragic circumstances like Human Labor Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation.”

Individuals, businesses, schools and organizations can participate by serving as sponsors, signing up to walk, organizing a team of walkers or joining a team. Walker registration is only $20 and each walker is asked to raise a minimum of $50 from family, friends and colleagues, although it’s not mandatory. All participants receive a commemorative t-shirt and can win prizes in the "Give a Hand, Get a Hand" on-site contest.

To sponsor, register to walk or make a donation, go to the secure event site at https://secure.qgiv.com/event/ohhp2p/

For more information contact tzeiss@oceansharborhouse.org