MENASHA, WI (WTAQ) — November is National Runaway and Homeless Youth Prevention Month, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley’s Home Base program wants to help those in need.
In a project called Youth on the Move, they’ve partnered with various businesses and organizations to put green footprints inside their establishments.
“You’ll see the green footprints popping up all over the community to mark some safe spaces where young people might go to connect with safe adults to get them connect to resources and support they need,” said Home Base Director, Katie Van Groll.
Over 100 businesses and organizations are participating including various restaurants, coffee shops, schools, and city departments.
Groll said the biggest misconception is that the issue doesn’t happen here; and that hundreds of youth in northeast Wisconsin experience homelessness each year.
Home Base serves youth (up to age 21) and families in Brown, Outagamie, Calumet, and Winnebago counties experiencing challenges related to running away, homelessness, and housing insecurities. They offer 24-hour hotline support at 920-731-0557.
