FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 20,
2009
www.nyc.gov/dycd
MEDIA ALERT: City Preparing “Fresh Start Kits”
for Vulnerable Youth
DYCD is assembling “Fresh Start Kits” containing
personal hygiene items to help runaway and homeless youth maintain their dignity
in the face of significant challenges.
DYCD reached out to local businesses and national retailers seeking
donations of non-perishable snacks, soap, shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste,
band-aids and other essential items to be distributed to vulnerable youth who
are receiving services through DYCD-funded programs. A number
of civic-minded businesses have contributed to the “Fresh Start Kits”,
including:
- American Hygiene Industries
- Estee Lauder
- NIKE
- Vinnie’s Styles
- Pathmark
DYCD continues to seek donations; New Yorkers can call the
Youth Connect hotline at (800) 246-4646 if they are interested in making a
donation or know of a potential partner.
Background: DYCD administers a continuum of
services that includes Drop-in Centers and Crisis Shelters, Transitional
Independent Living programs, and Street Outreach and Referral Services.
Since 2007, DYCD has developed ten new residential sites in order to expand
options for young people. DYCD’s Runaway and Homeless Youth services are
designed to protect runaway and homeless youth and reunite them with their
families whenever possible. Last fiscal year, 1,713 youth found safe harbor at
one of our Crisis Shelters, which are currently at a 100% utilization rate.
In addition, 37,925 youth walked into our Drop-In Centers and we contacted
5,794 youth through Street Outreach services.
| Contact: |
Ryan Dodge (DYCD) |
212.442.5979 |
