1. The National Coalition for the Homeless defines homeless youth as individuals under the age of eighteen who lack parental, foster, or institutional care.
2. 1 out of every 3 homeless people are under the age of 18.
3. 1.6 to 1.7 million people under 18 will experience homelessness each year.
4. The majority of homeless and runaway youth are between the ages of 15 and 17, however three out of 100 runaways are under the age of 10, and 11 out of 100 are between the ages of 11 and 13.
5. Approximately half of all runaways were physically abused before fleeing home.
6. Up to a third of runaways have been forced to perform a sexual act against his/her will.
7. Half of all runaways left home because of a disagreement with a parent or guardian.
8. A third of all runaways will attempt suicide.
9. Homeless youth are up to ten times more likely to have or contract HIV than non-homeless adolescents.
10. A tenth of homeless and runaway females are reportedly pregnant.
11. This year, one in 260 runaways and homeless youths will die from assault, illness and suicide.

Sources:
National Coalition for the Homeless
National Runaway Switchboard

10 Facts about LAYN

1. LAYN has four facilities providing a complete continuum of care from Emergency Shelter to Independent Living Programs.

2. More than 350 youth will spend at least one night at LAYN this year.

3. LAYN offers services for youth aged 12-22 and a full host of educational, enrichment, counseling, and aftercare services.

4. By the end of the year LAYN will provide its youth with 2912 hours of paid internships both within the organization and in the community.

5. LAYN has an outreach team working during the day, evening, and weekends to locate homeless youth and connect them with the services they need most.

6. LAYN has extensive case management services to ensure that youth are able to get the services they need and will not have to return to the street.

7. LAYN offers mentors, psychotherapy, and tutoring to inspire youth, provide role-models, and the support they need to succeed.

8. LAYN believes strongly in education and enrolls all youth in school within three days of their entrance in the program.

9. More than 80% of the youth who enter our programs do not go back to life on the streets.

10. LAYN is governed by a Board of Directors committed to financial stability, efficiency and transparency. More than 80% of your donation goes directly to program costs.

Complete Annual Reports are available on Guidestar.org