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In this issue: Runaway Prevention Month, Holiday Gift Drive, Gala Thank You's, Community Education Series, Jobs at Shelter and more!

NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL RUNAWAY PREVENTION MONTH

The “Hidden Crisis” of the Pandemic

The World Health Organization has called runaway and homeless youth the “hidden crisis” of the pandemic. An estimated 54,237 students experienced homelessness during the 2018-2019 school year, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

In November of 2019, Illinois’ own U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D) and Dick Durbin (D) were leaders in passing the bipartisan Senate Resolution dedicating November to raise awareness of the runaway crisis.

Whether couch surfing or living on the streets, runaway youth face critical challenges. They may be forced to exchange sex for food or shelter, sell drugs, or fall victim to human traffickers. LGBTQ+ youth had a 120% higher risk of being homeless, followed by Black and Hispanic Youth.

What can you do to help? Many youths just need someone who will listen in a non-judgmental way. Others need your help supporting programs that offer them housing, food, medical assistance, and counseling.

Shelter’s Emergency Group Homes and Youth Experiencing Homeless Program both provide trauma-informed care and full services to assist runaway and homeless youth.o

Shelter's 24-hour Hotline: 847-255-8060
National Runaway Safeline: 1-800-RUNAWAY

RESOURCES:
Youth.gov
Family and Youth Service Bureau
Five Ways to Help

Thank You for Making Our Home is Where the Heart Is Gala a Great Success!

On November 12, nearly 200 people came together to celebrate the work of Shelter. Because of your generous support, we raised more than $210,000!
These critical funds will help us put a new roof on our TLP,  provide counseling services for young people who are suffering from trauma, support foster families with essential items, help our youth experiencing homelessness furnish apartments, and so much more.
We are so grateful!

A special thank you to our emcee, Regina Waldroup, Matt Dyer of LeasePlan USA, our Honorary Chair, the Pinta Family, recipients of the Buckholz Award, and to our devoted corporate sponsors. Thank you to ALL who attended, donated, purchased raffle tickets, bid on auction items, and shared this wonderful evening with us! 

The holidays can be a difficult and emotional time for children who have experienced trauma and are separated from their families. Your gift will help brighten the holidays for children living in our emergency group homes, foster care, and transitional living programs, as well as babies in Healthy Families. 

Request a gift list, purchase a gift card, or make a donation. Gift cards allow families to select their own gifts for their children as well as provide items for a holiday party.

Palatine, Wheeling and Arlington Heights have the highest rates of students experiencing homelessness in Illinois outside the city of Chicago. Learn what you can do to help youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. Earn 1 CEU for attending.

Donate to Shelter now through November 30!

 To donate your Walgreens Cash Rewards sign into your myWalgreens™ account and select "donate now" on your account homepage. Then choose Shelter Inc. from the charities shown. 

Thanks to the generosity of Shelter's supporters we can positively impact the lives of many children, their families, and our community.

Mary Lou Downs Foundation ($5,000)   

Discover Brighter Futures Fund ($3,500 for our Clinical Program) 

Are you a looking for meaningful work and a rewarding career?
Shelter is now hiring for multiple positions. Diverse candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We seek team members who reflect our values of dedication, collaboration, positive attitude, inclusion, and passion. Click here to learn about available positions.

If you share our vision that all children grow up in safe and nurturing homes, please support us today. 

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