1. Anchoring Homeless Youth Santa Clara County
Lorraine Flores
Bill Wilson Center

2. Youth Homelessness
San Jose has the 4th largest unsheltered homeless population in the nation
It includes approximately 1,000 homeless youth, some parenting small children, most former foster youth
Almost 750 homeless youth accessed BWC’s Drop In Center for basic services such as food, clothing, showers, laundry
Over 400 accessed the Drop In Center’s comprehensive services
30% college students unstably housed & food insecurities
30% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ
Majority are youth of color

3. Significant Issues for Homeless Youth
Suicide is the leading cause of death among street youth – 32% have attempted suicide
40% have drug/alcohol problems
61.8% report mental health problems
71.7% reported experiencing major trauma
75% of homeless youth have dropped out of school
95% report being sexually active
More than 1/3 engage in survival sex
50% have had a pregnancy experience

4. Homeless Youth Culture
Sex Trafficked Youth
Gang-Impacted Youth
LGBTQ Youth
Runaway Youth
Immigrant Youth
Street Youth
College-bound youth

5. What Works?
Youth-friendly, non-institutional setting & activities – 2nd St. Drop In Center
Trained staff in street culture, LGBTQ culture, gang culture, ethnic cultures, and trained in CSEC / Human trafficking strategies
Peer staff in street outreach and in direct service
Co-located services; one-stop shop
Scheduled and “drop-in” appointments for mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and medical care
Knowledgeable psychiatrist regarding street drugs and prescription drugs
Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Care

6. STREET OUTREACH Trained staff Peer Partners Homeless sites are known
Collaboration with other agencies
“Backpack” Counseling
Street fairs / tables

7. DROP-IN CENTER BASIC SERVICES
One-stop shop
Youth friendly
Non-institutional
Three meals a day, 7 days a week
Laundry - Clothing
Showers
Pets okay
Phone, mail, lockers
Recreation/socialization
Overnight Respite
Low threshold for youth

8. Comprehensive Services - DIC
Mental Health Services 24/7 On Call Crisis Mobile Team Intensive Case Management Youth Works Training Academy Employment Services / Placement Educational Support Substance Abuse Services Life Skills Training Daily Programming
Parenting Classes Document Retrieval Health Related Workshops Medical Clinic Housing Access Bicycles Outdoor Equipment Recreation GED Preparation/Testing

9. FAMILY ACCEPTANCE PROJECT
Major reason why LGBTQ youth are homeless is due to family rejection
FAP demonstrates how the negative impact family rejection can have on LGBTQ youth
Shows the importance of involving parents, teaching them how acceptance of their LGBTQ child impacts their lives
Even the smallest indication of support makes a difference
Importance of “re-connecting” homeless LGBTQ youth with family

10. Bill Wilson Center

11. Thank You!!
For further information and a tour of BWC programs, please contact:
Lorraine Flores, LMFT
Senior Director of Program Development and Impact