Helping Area Teens in Crisis

I did not know there was a significant homeless youth population in the Grand Traverse Region until I started researching for a story on homelessness in Traverse City. A new Goodwill Inn had recently opened with a separate wing for young persons in transition; so I visited the youth wing, called Pete's Place, and met with Norvilla Bennett, the director for Pete's Place.  She gave me a tour; it had a kitchen, eating area, living room, games and books, counseling rooms and of course bedrooms. Most of the bedrooms had two single beds; one had a larger bed and bathroom for a handicapped teen or a teen with a baby. Every bed had a hand made quilt created by one of the many quilting guilds in the area. I visited Pete's Place when it was still quite new.  So, at the time, only one teen had stayed overnight, but they had many inquiries. 

I got a tip from a friend who told me about the youth outreach workers who work out of Third Level, the crisis intervention center in Traverse City. Many of the outreach workers have been in foster care or homeless themselves, so they can relate with the kids they talk to. They attract kids and raise money by putting on fund-raising concerts at the American Legion Hall, where they bring information about how they can help kids in transition. They also go around town, to the mall, etc. and look for groups of kids, giving them information cards with phone numbers to call if the youth needs help.

Third Level outreach workers also have backpacks made up by churches in the area that hold all the essentials, like a toothbrush, toilet paper, blanket etc. and will bring the packs along while they go on their outreach missions.  Because they are young, the youth outreach workers are able to approach others their age without receiving too much hostility. The homeless or troubled youth feel more comfortable talking with someone his or her age-someone who has gone through similar circumstances.  The outreach workers are not certified to provide counseling, but they often do talk with them when they are needed. The people at Third Level do the official counseling and also help find foster homes or any other types of help the teen needs.

To listen to Andrea's interview click on the play button below. 

This segment was originally created for and previously featured on Radio Anyway.

Andrea Hemphill is a second year student at NMC with a focus on environmental policy and teaching. She became involved with radio through a local volunteer radio program called Radio Anyway and has been producing pieces on and off throughout the year. She currently has an internship with the Children's Garden.