www.fox4kc.com/2012/01/07/kids-tlc-provides-help-to-homeless-teens/

OLATHE, Kan. — The number of homeless kids in the metro is staggering. There’s 1,300 homeless kids in Wyandotte County.

In Jackson County there are 1,700 and 1,000 in Johnson County.  Wordell Williams is homeless. The only thing that stands between him and the streets is a small studio apartment in one of the few transitional housing units for homeless kids. He is thankful for that apartment.

“It’s its a friendly environment,” Williams said. “They really help you. People here are loving.  They motivate you to keep moving forward and try and continue your education and stay drug free.”

Williams has lost lots of friends who aren’t so lucky. The number of “couch surfers” are growing. Couch surfers are kids who jump from one friend’s couch to the next. They have no place to call home.

“There is a sub culture of homeless teens who don’t have anybody,” said Jason Starry with TLC. “They are completely on their own just bouncing around couch surfing looking for a place to stay.  They’re trying to stay in school but in need of a lot of support.”

The only emergency teen shelter in Johnson County closed its doors last fall because of lack of funding.  That pushes desperate teens to the few remaining shelters in the metro and most of them have waiting lists.

Kids TLC runs an outreach program to help kids that would otherwise fall through the cracks. Funding cuts are happening everywhere. Agencies have learned to collaborate and pool their resources because the number of homeless teens is growing and sustainable housing is shrinking.

“It’s getting worse, but I believe we can win it,” Starry said. “There are plans in place from fed. govt all the way down to local communities.”

Williams won first prize for a ginger bread house he built in real life. He says a place like the fictional house would be his dream home. For the first time in his life he is making plans. Williams plans to graduate from high school, get a job and go to college. He wants to build a life that is stable. He wants to pass on encouragement to the thousands of other kids who have no place to call home.

“Don’t give up, don’t feel hopeless,” Williams said. “There is always someone there to support you.”