| Youth Who Are Homeless Stakeholders' Group Youth Who are Homeless Project |
| On July 1, 2000, the Rapid Response pilot project officially began in the Bangor area. The goal of this intiative is to get youth ages 10-17 who are homeless for the first time or in danger of becoming so off the street and into a safe, stable living environment within 72 hours. This project was planned and implemented by representatives from over 40 state and local agencies who collaborated in a year long process. Since that time, representatives from these and other groups have continued to oversee and support this measure, and are committed to doing so in the future. The Youth Who Are Homeless initiative is expanding October 1, 2002 to include all youth who are homeless. During the past two years, the Rapid Response program has provides interdisciplinary teams to help yout who are homeless for the first time. Now, the same services are available for all youth who are homeless. |
| If you or someone close to you knows of a youth age 10-17 who is homeless or at risk of being homeless, please contact Rapid Response staff at the Shaw House in Bangor, ME. You can reach Rapid Response personnel 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 207-941-2874. After this initial phone call, a team of professionals from serveral agencies will intervene quickly to keep the youth safe. These services could include stable housing, medical care, case managment, food, clothing, or medications. This swift intervention is critical, as research has proven that the longer youth are on the street, the greater the risk for them to be victimized, to be tempted with drugs/alcohol, to become engaged in crime and/or gang activity, or to be exploited. |
| Remember, You Do Not Have To Be Homeless to Receive Services From the Youth Who Are Homeless Program. Call 941-2874 |
| Accessing Services |