More than 600 kids are homeless in Lubbock, according to a poll by the city of Lubbock, but the Catholic Charities of Lubbock Runaway Homeless Youth Team are stepping up their efforts to help them.
“They really are the invisible youth. They really are. A lot of them feel like they don’t need the program or the help and once they are able to provide the services to them, you see a change. They are not so forgotten or invisible anymore,” said Stephanie Valverde, a case worker with the organization.
The charity reached out to multiple organizations to increase their chances of finding kids who need help. This includes churches, schools, and youth groups around town.
“We try to meet basic needs first of all. Are you staying somewhere safe? Do you need clothing at this time? Food, hygiene products, and things like that. So as the youth answer questions and we definitely go from there,” said Susan Morales, the director of the Runaway Homeless Youth Program.
A lot of the times a homeless child may not believe they need help, or may be sleeping somewhere despite it not being their home.
“A homeless child is someone who is not living in a home. They either have left the home on their own or has been told to leave their home and for one reason or another they will not or cannot leave their home,” said Morales.
However, Morales said this does not mean they are in an ideal situation.
Recently, the organization began attending more and more events, but kids can also look for the “Safe Place” sign at any of their 192 sites, and ask anyone working there for help. These sites include libraries, United Supermarkets stores, and Citibuses.
For more information, go to their Facebook, @RHYLubbock or call 806-765-8475.
