In this issue:  Shining the Light on Runaway and Homeless Youth, The Giving Season is Here, Home is Where the Heart is Gala, Coat and Holiday Gift Drive, Learn about Emergency Foster Care, Thank You's, Now Hiring

Shining a Light on Runaway Youth

Imagine a school classroom of 30 students. Now imagine that in every one of those classrooms sits a student who is experiencing homelessness. One in ten adults ages 18 to 25, and one in thirty youth ages 13 to 17 experience homelessness each year. Youth experience homelessness in every American community—including ours right here in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.

November is National Runaway Prevention Month and an opportunity to shine a light on the experiences of runaway and homeless youth that too often remain invisible. Whether couch surfing or living on the streets, runaway youth face critical challenges. They may be forced to exchange sex for food or shelter, sell drugs, or fall victim to human traffickers. LGBTQ+ youth have a 120% higher risk of experiencing homelessness 

Shelter's Emergency Group Homes and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program provide trauma-informed care and comprehensive services to assist runaway and homeless youth. 

If you know a young person who is struggling or in need of housing, please encourage them to call Shelter's 24-hour Hotline at 847-255-8060.

Ask your Legislators to Co-sponsor the Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act of 2023

A bipartisan, bicameral group of legislators have introduced the Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act (RHYTPA) of 2023 (H.R.6041/S.3125). This program prevents trafficking, identifies survivors and provides housing and service options to youth in need.

Now is the time for Congress to act. We must invest in the lives of these young people to prevent them from experiencing chronic homelessness, intergenerational cycles of poverty, and instances of trauma. Make your voice heard by emailing your members of Congress to support this bill!

With Thanksgiving Just a Week Away, Giving Season is Upon Us!

In the next month your inbox and mailbox will likely be filled with many requests to support organizations who are doing meaningful work around the world. You will be hearing from us! Shelter's year-end fundraising provides the critical dollars we need to keep our doors open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Only with your support can we provide safe and stable homes where children can heal and thrive.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

• Giving Tuesday is on Tuesday, November 28. A generous donor will be matching all gifts up to $15,000. 
• Look for our year-end letter to arrive in your mailbox in early December. You will hear from Joseph, one of Shelter's amazing Child & Youth Care workers who will ask you to "Go Beyond" for our kids.
• Find out if your employer will match your contribution. Many do!

Please share our hope and vision that all children will grow up in safe and loving homes, and consider a gift to Shelter this holiday season.

Our Biggest Fundraiser of the Year is on Saturday!

Last chance to join us for a night of pure imagination. Help raise the critical funds Shelter needs to stop the cycle of child abuse and create brighter futures for kids and families in our community.

Friday, November 17
Hyatt Regency Schaumburg, Chicago
1800 E. Golf Road, Schaumburg
6:30pm Cocktails and Silent Auction
7:30pm Dinner, Program, Live Auction, Music and Dancing

We Still Need Winter Coats For our Kids!
Coat drive ends on November 20.

The holidays can be a difficult and emotional time for children who have experienced trauma and are separated from their families.

Your gift will help brighten the holidays for children living in our emergency group homes, children in foster care, teens experiencing homelessness, young people in Shelter’s Transitional Living program, babies and toddlers in Healthy Families, and more!

Request a gift list, purchase a gift card, or make a donation. With your help, we can bring joy to children, young adults, and families experiencing crisis.

Tuesday, November 28 · 7 - 8:30pm CST
VIRTUAL EVENT
Have you wondered what happens to children in care who have nowhere to go? Join us virtually to learn about being an Emergency Foster Home with Shelter Inc.

Learn about the critical need for emergency foster homes

Hear personal stories from individuals who have made a profound impact on the lives of these children

Get a clear understanding of the licensing process

These special homes take in children in emergency situations for a limited short period of time providing them care and safety at a critical point in their lives. Shelter, Inc. provides parents with wraparound services, supporting foster parents and ensuring children receive what they need. Emergency Foster Parents receive additional financial support.

Thank you to the volunteers from Southminster Presbyterian Church who came together on Saturday, November 4 to help spruce up our Emergency Group Homes. The volunteer team repaired bikes, fixed kitchen cabinets, cleaned carpets, raked leaves, washed windows and so much more! We so appreciate the help and Southminster's commitment to lending a hand wherever it is needed.

Thank you to Karli from WernerCo for dropping off pumpkins and snacks for the kids at our Emergency Group Homes.

Thank you Haley from Betsy's Blankets for the donation of new blankets, sheets, and comforters for the children in Shelter’s programs. 

The United Palatine Coalition has launched a new Community Services Directory: upc.findservices.net. The Directory is an online tool for community members to access resources in Palatine and surrounding communities. Shelter, Inc. is proud to be included as a provider of services to help children and families in crisis.

Click here to see open positions.

If you share our vision that all children grow up in safe and nurturing homes, please support us today.