‘We See You.’ Nonprofit Hosts Homeless Youth Awareness Event

The nonprofit Bridge Over Troubled Waters organized an event at the Grand Staircase of the Massachusetts State House on Tuesday, Nov. 4, to expose the hidden realities of homelessness among teenagers and young adults who couch-surf, sleep in cars, or spend time on park benches. 

“They are serving you coffee, bagging your groceries, [and] studying in a classroom with your kids. They are invisible to many people, but not to any of us here in this room today,” CEO Elisabeth Jackson said in a statement shared with the Sentinel & Enterprise. “Our message to young people is loud and clear: We see you.”

Tuesday's event marked the beginning of National Homeless Youth Awareness Month. Rep. Jay Livingstone, co-chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities, read a proclamation on behalf of Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey to underscore the importance of addressing youth homelessness.

According to the Sentinel & Enterprise, the proclamation highlighted racial disparities in youth homelessness, noting Black youth are about five times, and Latino youth about twice, as likely to experience homelessness. BIPOC youth make up nearly two-thirds of unaccompanied homeless youth and young adults statewide.

Legislation introduced by Rep. Steven Ultrino (H 290), filed with Rep. Sean Garballey, would allow homeless youth ages 15 to 18 to consent to supportive services. This piece of legislation aims to improve access to housing, financial stability, education, employment, and social-emotional well-being, addressing the barrier that a lack of a legal guardian can create to accessing services.

“This barrier leaves some of our most vulnerable youth disconnected from basic support services that will help them thrive and later transition to a secure and stable adulthood,” Ultrino said.

The Sentinel & Enterprise noted that a similar measure died in the House Ways and Means Committee in the previous session.