You can help prevent suicide by providing youth with access to immediate crisis response and intervention. As a part of National Suicide Prevention Month, every week in September we have been sharing insight into some of the factors that make homeless youth especially at-risk of suicidal ideation and the ways that YOU can help prevent suicide.  

Why are homeless youth at a high risk of suicidal ideation? Partly because of the trauma they have often experienced. [1] Not only is the process of becoming homeless often traumatic for youth, but being homeless puts youth more at risk of experiencing additional trauma. [2] A recent study released in 2016 by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families (ACF) found that over 60 percent of homeless youth were raped, beaten up, robbed, or otherwise assaulted. [3] These youth need your protection. They need safe, caring adults they can turn to during a crisis. 

You can help provide youth with safe, reliable 24/7 emergency crisis response. The Coffee Oasis Crisis Intervention team offers more than therapy and a 24/7 text line for youth. They work alongside First Responders, hospitals, schools, and other partnered organizations to provide 24/7 immediate crisis support services to youth. You can help provide a listening ear, resources, and safety to youth in crisis. Your gift of $120 can provide one hour of Crisis Intervention and help prevent suicide!