Monroe group sheds light on dark reality about homeless youth

People from all walks of life came together on a chilly night and learned about even more chilling statistics about youth.

It's a blurred reality the Christopher Youth Center in Monroe wants you to know about. They said the number of youth homelessness and runaways are alarming.

Every year, the state goes out in the community counting the number of homeless people on the streets. This year, 40% were young people. That's why folks across the world are coming together for a vigil.

"To light their candles or any form of light-green. Like our fountain in commemoration of those who are suffering in this youth crisis," Eugenia Jones Wright, Outreach Coordinator for CYC, said.

The message is grabbing young people's attention. Some said they couldn't imagine being homeless, but they want to make sure their peers know they're never alone.

The Christopher Youth Center doesn't let the youth forget that either with its several programs to help. Those include transitional living, basic needs, counseling and life skills.

The youth center also said there are more than 50 safe places in this area if you or someone you know needs help.

For example, The YAC (Youth Access Center). It's a Safe Place where youth can go to talk, get information, and begin a process to get help fast. The YAC is here for victimized, homeless, and at-risk youth ages 17-24 years old.

The Youth Access Center is located at 315 N. 5th Street, Monroe, LA 71203

CYC has over 50 safe place sites in Northeast Louisiana. The Basic Center Program (emergency youth shelter) has a capacity of 11 beds.

You can reach them at (318) 345-5556.