Bowling Fundraiser to help Vegas’ Homeless Teens

There is an aspect to the foreclosure crisis that has apparently slipped under the radar.   As families are forced from their homes onto the street or into cars or even simply into smaller rental units, some tell their teenage kids, “It is time for you to live on your own,” according to Director of Operations for the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth Tim Mullin. 

Some homeless teens survive by “couch surfing,” meaning they find friends and family who will let them sleep on the couch for a night or two.  Others are “squatters” in abandoned buildings, says Mullin.  Most still try to remain in school, doing homework in the streets or at the partnership’s facilities where they can come for an hour to play games or use the computer. 

“Only an hour?” I asked.  “Well, we have to rotate so that other kids have a chance, too,” Mullin responds.  About 300 to 400 homeless youth come to the facility per month, including about 15 to 20 teens new to the facility.  The kids are hooked up with a case management worker who tries to help them find shelter and possibly a job and steers them towards available social services. 

Living on the streets is rough, by all accounts.  Over 12 percent of homeless teens are raped.  A third are forced to trade sex for food, shelter or money.  Many go to bed hungry and most have no access to healthcare, despite an express need for doctor’s services.

In 2003 the National Coalition for the Homeless ranked Las Vegas as the “meanest” city in the nation for the homeless, meaning that homelessness (all ages) was often criminalized and that regular “sweeps” of temporary makeshift shelters and encampments exacerbated many of the problems associated with chronic homelessness.  America’s Youngest Outcasts: State Report Card on Child Homelessness says the nation has “the greatest number of children enduring or on the brink of homelessness since the Dust Bowl Era of the Great Depression.” Nevada ranks 45 out of 50 in its care for homeless children, according the study.

The Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth is one of the bright spots for Vegas’ homeless teens.  The facility gives them a place to bathe, provides bus passes, food, a place to rest without fear, backpacks and more.  But even as the economy places more teens on the streets, donations have declined.  “We are looking for donations of any kind,” says Mullin, “$10, $20 or big donations.”  An upcoming fundraiser hopes to raise a chunk of cash from bowling enthusiasts.  “We have to pay for the lanes and prizes,’” he says, “but 100 percent of all profits go to the help the kids.  We are still looking for 19 teams and 3 lane sponsors.  If you know anyone who wants to help, have them call me.” 

If you don’t want to bowl, but still want to help, the kids are particularly in need of underwear and socks right now, he says, although there is always a wish list of suggested donations.  They also need food kids can eat without preparation, since most do not have access to a kitchen to wash or cook food.

Homeless Youth in the Alley

September 12, 2009

noon to 4 p.m.

Strike Zone Bowling Alley inside Sunset Station

1301 West Sunset Road (map it)

Lane/Team Sponsor: $200

Individual: $40

Teams receive six games of Baker-style Bowling, t-shirt, shoe rental and gift bag.

To register call 702-883-8585 or email tim@nphy.org.

The Safe Place drop-in center is located at 4800 S. Maryland Parkway, Suite E. The hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 6:00pm. The center has a small library, a shower, food pantry, clothing closet, respite room, classroom and personal business station for youth.

Image courtesy of the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth.

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