It estimates that thousands of young people between 18 and 24 are homeless at least once a year, based on national survey numbers and California's youth population (California's Homeless Youth, 2022). According to statistics, a staggering 29% of homeless adolescents battle with substance misuse, and a frightening 69% of homeless youth suffer from mental health issues ("Youth Homelessness Overview," 2022). This petition aims to support homeless youth seeking help for mental health or substance abuse treatment but cannot afford it. Young adults ready to get the help they need should not have to endure homelessness, mental illness, and substance addiction disorders due to a lack of resources. Our Governor, Gavin Newsom, and the California Legislature are the primary targets for advocacy since they can develop and enact laws guaranteeing universal access to mental health and substance abuse treatment. To end homelessness, we must get to the source of the problem. SUD and mental illness are the focus of this petition. Providing the necessary services will help minimize the number of homeless youth in California.
With that said, it is crucial to get the community involved in the process of advocating for this group of people. The community has numbers and can lobby the Legislature. Our mission is to implement laws that allow these individuals to receive the necessary assistance at no cost and the opportunity to reach their full potential with your help.