Many people struggle to imagine what it would be like to lose a home,
much less what it would be like to be a teenager out in the world
alone.

How would you keep up with school?

Who would provide for your
food and health care?

How would you know where to seek help and
who would be safe to turn to?

"Rabbit" is one of thousands of youths across Illinois who doesn’t have to
imagine what homelessness is like -- he's lived it. After growing up in
an abusive home, "Rabbit" became homeless at 17
when his mom kicked him out of the house.

While living on the street, "Rabbit" suffered sexual abuse and
experienced a severe panic attack. Still, he succeeded in
graduating from Marshall High School in 2004.

"Rabbit" is now an active member of the HELLO Youth Group, co-run by
CCH's Youth Futures legal aid clinic and The Night Ministry. He
has traveled several times to Springfield to tell his story to state
legislators, fighting for policy changes that will help other homeless
youths like him. In fall 2008, he became a member of the CCH Speakers Bureau.

Today, "Rabbit" is stably housed in a nursing home. He is looking
forward to attending college, and hopes to major in dance or visual
arts.

Across Illinois, thousands of youths share his struggles. A 2005 study conducted by the University of Illinois at Chicago
found that there were roughly 25,000 Illinois youths who experienced
homelessness. Approximately one-third of youths surveyed said
that family conflict was the reason they became homeless. Other common
reasons included physical or sexual abuse by a parent or family
member. Three in five youths said they had been the victim of
violence during the past 12 months.

A 2007 CCH study showed that housing and supportive services succeeded in helping
youths overcome homelessness. 87% of youths who exited homeless
youth programs in fiscal year 2007 moved into safe, stable
housing. But programs were forced to turn away 52% of the youths
(3,088 youths total) who sought their help, due overwhelmingly to lack of
space.

To address the needs of youths experiencing homelessness, in 1983 CCH founded the Youth Committee.
Made up of representatives from 33 organizations serving youth,
the Youth Committee meets monthly to coordinate CCH’s public policy
work on homeless youth issues.