I AM NOW, INC.
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180
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| PHONE Office 336.889.6064 HOTLINE 336.889.6064 |
The Invisible Homeless
by Cassandra C. Caudle
Ask anyone to describe a "homeless" person and you
will more than likely hear stereotypical descriptive words
such as "poorly dressed, 50+ years old, scraggly beard
and hair, mentally ill, alcoholic, living under a bridge at
night and carrying a "hungry, please help" sign at an
intersection by day." You may not hear descriptors such
as "18 year old, High school student or Former Foster
Child".
This population is practically invisible because they don't fit
the societal norm of homelessness. They resemble most
young adults in their age range, except they walk the
streets late night and find creative ways to find shelter,
food, clothes and to stay out of harms way.
Recent studies have shown there are 180+ homeless
young adults (ages 18-23) right here in Guilford County,
many of whom have aged out of foster care. Out of pride,
this population will not stand on the side of the road with a
sign or stand in line at the soup kitchen, but will resort to
other survival tactics. Life on the streets leads to desperate
measures. Left to their own devices, many of these youths
will commit at least one crime per day (shoplifting,
trespassing, breaking and entering, prostitution, etc.) just
to survive. Many will join gangs to avoid becoming victims
themselves.
"Why don't they just get a job?"
"Why don't they enroll in school so they can better
themselves?"
"Why don't they apply for Social Services?"
by Cassandra C. Caudle
Ask anyone to describe a "homeless" person and you
will more than likely hear stereotypical descriptive words
such as "poorly dressed, 50+ years old, scraggly beard
and hair, mentally ill, alcoholic, living under a bridge at
night and carrying a "hungry, please help" sign at an
intersection by day." You may not hear descriptors such
as "18 year old, High school student or Former Foster
Child".
This population is practically invisible because they don't fit
the societal norm of homelessness. They resemble most
young adults in their age range, except they walk the
streets late night and find creative ways to find shelter,
food, clothes and to stay out of harms way.
Recent studies have shown there are 180+ homeless
young adults (ages 18-23) right here in Guilford County,
many of whom have aged out of foster care. Out of pride,
this population will not stand on the side of the road with a
sign or stand in line at the soup kitchen, but will resort to
other survival tactics. Life on the streets leads to desperate
measures. Left to their own devices, many of these youths
will commit at least one crime per day (shoplifting,
trespassing, breaking and entering, prostitution, etc.) just
to survive. Many will join gangs to avoid becoming victims
themselves.
"Why don't they just get a job?"
"Why don't they enroll in school so they can better
themselves?"
"Why don't they apply for Social Services?"
The answer is simple. It is virtually impossible to do any of these things without an "address".
Unfortunately a large percentage of the local jail and state prison population in this age group was
once homeless.
I AM NOW, INC., a newly founded 501c 3 non-profit organization in Guilford County, is currently
moving forward to tackle this problem one young adult at a time. The founding philosophy is
"Helping Individuals From Where They Are NOW!" This unique program will provide transitional
housing while equipping the individuals with support services and life skills training geared
towards self sufficiency. With the commitment and financial support of several community leaders,
foundations, businesses and churches, the first of several planned transitional homes is located
in High Point, NC. Expansion plans include additional male and female facilities throughout
Guilford County.
I AM NOW, INC. is currently recruiting mentors, seeking additional community support and
soliciting donations to keep this vision a reality. All donations are tax deductible.
Unfortunately a large percentage of the local jail and state prison population in this age group was
once homeless.
I AM NOW, INC., a newly founded 501c 3 non-profit organization in Guilford County, is currently
moving forward to tackle this problem one young adult at a time. The founding philosophy is
"Helping Individuals From Where They Are NOW!" This unique program will provide transitional
housing while equipping the individuals with support services and life skills training geared
towards self sufficiency. With the commitment and financial support of several community leaders,
foundations, businesses and churches, the first of several planned transitional homes is located
in High Point, NC. Expansion plans include additional male and female facilities throughout
Guilford County.
I AM NOW, INC. is currently recruiting mentors, seeking additional community support and
soliciting donations to keep this vision a reality. All donations are tax deductible.
Communities at Stake
This population is practically invisible because they don't fit the societal norm of
homelessness. They resemble most young adults in their age range, except they
walk the streets late night and find creative ways to find shelter, food, clothes and to
stay out of harms way.
This population is practically invisible because they don't fit the societal norm of
homelessness. They resemble most young adults in their age range, except they
walk the streets late night and find creative ways to find shelter, food, clothes and to
stay out of harms way.
Program Youth Interviews
From Homeless to Hopeful!
See how mentors and resources
make a difference in their lives.
From Homeless to Hopeful!
See how mentors and resources
make a difference in their lives.
INVESTING
YOUR TAX
DOLLARS...
It costs about $37,500 to
house a prisoner for one
year. Most prisoners
remain behind bars for
several years, or return
to prison multiple times.
Whereas, it ONLY costs
about $20,000 a year for
housing, guidance and
mentorship for a youth for
one year in our program,
with over a 90% chance of
success that they become
productive citizens.
Which would you rather
pay for?
YOUR TAX
DOLLARS...
It costs about $37,500 to
house a prisoner for one
year. Most prisoners
remain behind bars for
several years, or return
to prison multiple times.
Whereas, it ONLY costs
about $20,000 a year for
housing, guidance and
mentorship for a youth for
one year in our program,
with over a 90% chance of
success that they become
productive citizens.
Which would you rather
pay for?
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