Every young person deserves a safe place to call home and a community that supports their future. This November, PREVAIL is leading the Youth HOPE awareness campaign in San Joaquin County to raise awareness of youth homelessness, connect young people with resources, and inspire community action.
The need for awareness and action remains urgent. According to SchoolHouse Connection’s 2026 fact sheet, U.S. public schools identified more than 1.5 million students experiencing homelessness during the 2023–2024 school year—a 12.6% increase over the previous year and the highest number on record.
Behind every number is a young person who deserves safety, stability, connection, and the opportunity to thrive.
Understanding Youth Homelessness
Youth homelessness is not always visible. It can include temporarily staying with friends or relatives because there is nowhere else to go, sleeping in a vehicle, staying in a shelter, or living outdoors.
Young people may experience homelessness for many reasons, including family conflict, abuse or neglect, financial hardship, and a lack of affordable housing. Youth leaving foster care or other systems may face additional challenges when stable housing and ongoing support are unavailable.
Housing instability can interrupt education, make it difficult to meet basic needs, and affect physical and emotional well-being. Understanding these challenges helps us respond with compassion and connect young people with support.
How Can PREVAIL Help?
PREVAIL offers safety, support, and opportunities for young people throughout San Joaquin County. Our youth services include:
- Emergency shelter for youth who need a safe place and immediate support.
- Transitional living services that help young adults build stability and prepare for independence.
- The Spot, our youth basic needs center, with access to meals, clothing, laundry and shower facilities, mail services, hygiene items, and first-aid supplies.
- Street outreach to connect young people with services and resources.
- Case management, mentoring, and life skills support.
- Clinical services and substance use counseling.
Learn More About Our Youth Services
Get Involved
Green Light Project: Shine a Light Throughout November
Green is the color of Youth HOPE Awareness Month. Show your support by displaying green lighting at your business, organization, school, or home on any day—or throughout the month—during November.
Lighting a building, entrance, or window in green is a simple way to raise awareness and remind young people that they are seen, valued, and supported.
To participate or request a campaign poster, contact Elizabeth Sanchez at
Wear Green Day: Thursday, November 12, 2026
Wear green to show your support for youth experiencing homelessness!
Invite your coworkers, classmates, friends, and family to participate. Whether you choose a green shirt, ribbon, socks, or shoelaces, your participation can help start a conversation about youth homelessness and available support.
Take a photo, tag PREVAIL, and share why you support young people in our community.
Use #PREVAIL, #WearGreenDay2026, #YouthHOPEMonth2026, and #GreenLightProject.
Bring Awareness to the Game
Sports teams can help raise awareness by wearing green shoelaces, socks, or accessories during November. Invite your team to participate and use your game as an opportunity to share a message of hope and support.
Contact
More Ways to Help
Donate
Support PREVAIL’s youth services and shelters to help young people access safety, basic necessities and ongoing support.
Connect and Share
Follow PREVAIL on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for campaign updates, resources, and ways to get involved. Share our posts using:
#PREVAIL, #YouthHOPEMonth2026, and #GreenLightProject.
Invite Us to Speak
Help your workplace, school, or community group learn about youth homelessness and PREVAIL’s programs. Request a presentation to start the conversation.
Need Help?
You do not have to navigate a crisis alone. If you are a young person who needs support—or someone concerned about a young person—call PREVAIL’s 24-hour Youth Crisis Helpline at (209) 948-1911.
Together, we can build a community where every young person has access to safety, support, and hope.