Youth Homelessness | Everyone Deserves a Safe Place to Sleep

At one point in my youth, I left a mental hospital against medical advice because I had tickets to see Motley Crue. I figured if I was alive, I was going to that show. There's a longer tale about how I got home and the reaction of family and friends, but the net result is that I was kicked out of my house. I was homeless.

Thankfully, I had neighbors who gave me a couch for a few days while I figured shit out, so I never had to live on the streets, but I thought that might be what happened. Through college and beyond, friends and I sometimes slept in city parks or hotel stairwells while traveling because we were broke. But that had a sense of adventure and playfulness, nothing like actual homelessness. 

I share this because I want to talk about homelessness, specifically Youth Homelessness. And I don't just want to talk about it. I'm going to do something about it and let you know how easily you can as well.

In the United States, 4.2 million young people will face homelessness this year alone.

Kids can end up on the streets because their home isn't safe or they are battling addiction, depression, or any mental health challenge. Living on the streets doesn't help any of it. Homelessness can lead to worse addictions, sex trafficking, and suicide.

Covenant House, is a charitable organization that I've donated to for years. They empower young people to overcome homelessness by providing them safe housing, food and clothing, and relentless support. 

No one is ever turned away without support of some kind. And their services and programs are available at no cost. https://www.covenanthouse.org

Perhaps you are wondering. Why is he talking about Covenant House so much? Because, for the first time, I'm an active participant in their annual fundraiser, the Sleep Out. The Sleep Out happens on November 17 around the world. People give up their beds for one night to raise money to get more kids off the streets for good.

Please consider donating to my Sleep Out at https://www.sleepout.org/participant/andygrant

By searching for my name, you can also find me on the sleepout.org home page.

I'm talking about this because a planned guest had to cancel at the last minute. Today is October 7, and moments ago, I discovered that October 10 is World Homeless Day, so this is very synchronistic.

Sleep Out is our chance to shine a light on the youth homelessness crisis and raise critical funds that help Covenant House provide young people with around-the-clock support. The awareness and funds raised translate to things like new sheets, computers, meals, and best-in-class care for youth overcoming homelessness.

visit https://www.sleepout.org

Donate to me at

https://www.sleepout.org/participant/andygrant

By searching for my name, you can also find me on the sleepout.org home page.

I need your help to smash through my 5K goal.

Connect with Andy and the Real Men Feel Podcast:

Instagram | @realmenfeelshow & @andy_grant

Personal Website | theandygrant.com for coaching, healing, and book info!

Podcast Website | realmenfeel.org for all things podcast-related!

YouTube | youtube.com/realmenfeel

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