November is Homeless and Runaway Youth Awareness Month (HYAM). Help raise awareness about youth homelessness.

Homeless and runaway youth are deeply in need of resources and opportunities but do not always have access to those resources.

1 in 10 young adults ages 18-25, and at least 1 in 30 adolescents ages 13-17, experience some form of homelessness over the course of a year. It is estimated that, nationwide, there are over 4,000 youth experiencing homeless every night; coming from every life circumstance and sharing an experience of home environments that are unsafe and unhealthy.

To make a positive impact, families and communities must understand the dynamics and challenges that contribute to youth homelessness and secure access to opportunities and resources that could lead youth to safe, healthy, and stable pathways.

Homeless Youth Awareness Month (HYAM) is held throughout the month of November as a way to bring awareness and help at-risk, runaway and homeless youth. We ask YOU, our community, to unite in our work to end youth homelessness because we cannot do it alone.

Did you know that more than 39 percent of the homeless are 18 years and younger? Join us on November 13 for the premiere of the documentary "Left Behind," a film by Shane Williamson that chronicles the lives of San Joaquin County homeless youth, shown in support of Homeless and Runaway Youth Awareness Month.