OutsideIn.org
Title
Outside In :: Serving homeless youth and low-income adults in Portland Oregon
Description
Outside In is a social service agency dedicated to serving low-income adults and homeless youth. It began in 1968, and has continually revised services to meet changing client needs. Current programs include a community health clinic, a homeless youth program designed to help homeless youth obtain independent living, and risk education.
There are an estimated 2,000 homeless youth in Portland, and many myths associated with their homelessness. Youth end up on the street for multiple reasons, but most run away from violent and abusive homes.
36% of girls report a history of childhood sexual abuse, with the first incident occurring at age seven. These youth flee to the street in hope of increased safety. Some youth find themselves abandoned by their parents. One child was left with a drug dealer for an indefinite time. Another returned home to find the parents had moved out leaving no contact information. Other youth turn to the street because of poverty, joblessness, alcohol/drug use and/or mental health conditions within their families. They feel hopeless about a positive future in their current environment.
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