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EJ is 18. He told me he has been homeless for 11 years.

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“On the streets, you don’t wish for things. You just wait for them to happen. Because you cannot control really anything”, EJ responded trying to think of a second and third wish.

EJ is homeless in Hollywood. He is 18, and when he told me he has been homeless for 11 years, I could not even comprehend to do the math. (I’m a drummer and drummers can’t count past 4 anyway)

I cannot even imagine being on the streets at such a young age. I once interviewed a kid in Wichita homeless at 5 years old. I know how horrible my first day homeless was as an adult, so my heart breaks thinking about what these kids must have done through. But to them, the streets were better than the abuse they were going through.

We will never end homelessness until we can fix families!

Homelessness is a pervasive problem that affects millions of people around the world. It is a complex issue that is often rooted in poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to affordable housing. When we hear stories of individuals who have been living on the streets for extended periods, it can be shocking and difficult to comprehend. However, for those who experience it firsthand, the struggle to survive each day can be overwhelming.

Recently, I spoke with EJ, an 18-year-old who revealed that he has been homeless for the past 11 years. His story touched me deeply and reminded me of the challenges that many young people face in our society. EJ’s journey began when he was just seven years old and had to flee his home due to domestic violence. He stayed with relatives for a short time but was eventually forced to leave.

EJ’s situation is not unique. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, there are an estimated 1.5 million homeless children and youth in the United States. These young people often struggle with maintaining consistent school attendance and suffer from a lack of stability and security in their lives. Sadly, many also experience abuse or exploitation while living on the streets.

Despite these challenges, EJ has persevered. He spoke of his resourcefulness and resilience in finding food, shelter, and clothing through various community services and organizations. He has also been attending school off and on throughout his life, and through a program for homeless youth, he has received vocational training that has helped him obtain part-time work.

EJ’s story sheds light on the complex issues surrounding youth homelessness and the importance of addressing this crisis. It is a stark reminder that we must do more as a society to support our young people and provide them with access to safe and stable housing, education, and opportunities. It is also a testament to the incredible strength and resilience of young people facing extraordinary hardship.

In conclusion, EJ’s experience highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing youth homelessness as a societal problem. We must work together to create lasting solutions that treat the root causes of homelessness and provide support for those in need. No young person should have to endure the hardship of homelessness, and it is up to us as a community to ensure that every individual has the opportunity to thrive and lead a fulfilling life.