St. Cloud, Minnesota, officials are trying to decide how to handle runaways and troubled youth now that a local youth shelter has closed. The OK House, which had been in operation since 1975, was a place where both runaway and troubled teenagers could get help.

"Law enforcement officials have voiced concern about where they will take youths who have run away or committed minor offenses that don't warrant placement in a juvenile detention facility. 'Right now we're kind of struggling with what to do with these kids,' [Police Chief Dennis] Ballantine said."

OK House closed its doors last month due to an operating deficit. Alternatives proposed by law enforcement and state officials include finding emergency foster homes or placing teens at the Sheriff's Youth Home in St. Cloud. Source: St. Cloud Times

Labels: community, runaways, shelters

Organizations in Douglas County, Ore., estimate there are approximately 300 to 500 homeless teens in the county. Some teens live in cars, tents, or boxes on the street, while others move from one friend's house to another, spending the night on couches and floors.

"Whether the number is closer to the higher or lower estimate, these are kids who still have a chance to turn their lives around. While some may be determined to run away from the rules of their homes, others may be leaving homes where there is physical abuse, alcoholism or drug abuse."

In response to, and out of concern for, the plight of homeless teens, a drop-in center has been opened in Roseburg. A $122,000 grant from the state has enabled an existing facility to start building showers, a small kitchen, an interview room and more - specifically for homeless teenagers. Though building of the center is well on its way, an additional $35,000 is still needed. Source: Oregon News Review

Labels: homelessness, runaways, shelters