I AM NOW, INC.
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There are approximately 180 Homeless Youth in Guilford County.
The I Am Now, Inc. "Crossroads" Program is able to keep some of the
homeless young men in the Piedmont Triad off the streets and out of trouble
by offering the resources and support they need to attain a brighter future.
The I Am Now, Inc. "Crossroads" Program is able to keep some of the
homeless young men in the Piedmont Triad off the streets and out of trouble
by offering the resources and support they need to attain a brighter future.
180
| Homeless Youth in Guilford County between the ages of 18-23 |
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| PHONE Office 336.889.6064 HOTLINE 336.889.6064 |
Change lives and communities by becoming a mentor or supporter and watch how a little
direction at the Crossroads in the life of a homeless young man can turn a path of destruction
into a successful future with a purpose.
direction at the Crossroads in the life of a homeless young man can turn a path of destruction
into a successful future with a purpose.
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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?"
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.
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.
Communities at Stake
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.
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.