Pathfinders Expands Support for Homeless Youth in Wisconsin
MILWAUKEE (WDJT) — In a proactive effort to combat rising youth homelessness, Pathfinders officially opened its expanded drop-in center near Estabrook Park on Thursday. This initiative coincided with a report from the Wisconsin Policy Forum indicating a 9% increase in homeless public school students in the state, from 18,510 to 20,195.
Teness Kirnberger, chief development officer at Pathfinders, emphasized the financial strain contributing to the crisis, citing high housing costs and inadequate wages. The report highlights challenges in accurately counting homeless youth, as many remain invisible due to safety concerns.
The new center features essential resources, including computers, showers, and a laundry room, aimed at encouraging marginalized youth to seek assistance. Kathryn Yang, a youth organizer who once sought refuge at Pathfinders, underscored the importance of providing a safe space for these individuals to express their struggles.
Milwaukee is the epicenter of youth homelessness in Wisconsin, with over 25% of the state’s homeless students residing there. Kirnberger encourages community involvement, welcoming donations and volunteers to help serve meals and gather hygiene items. Ultimately, she noted, fostering connections and providing a supportive environment can profoundly impact the lives of these young individuals.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
