Youth Homelessness Isn't Always Visible: Casa Youth Shelter Invites Community to Walk in Their Shoes

What does homelessness look like when you're 14, 15, or 16 years old? It doesn't always mean sleeping on the streets. Sometimes it means moving from couch to couch, sleeping in a family car, or staying in an unsafe home because there's nowhere else to go.

On Saturday, November 21, Casa Youth Shelter invites the community to experience these realities firsthand at A Walk in Their Shoes, a free, interactive awareness event hosted by high school students from Casa Youth Shelter's Youth Leadership Program in recognition of National Runaway Prevention Month, also known as HOPE Month.

Through immersive exhibits, youth-led storytelling, and interactive experiences, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by young people experiencing homelessness, housing instability, and family crisis.

"Kids are incredibly resourceful and resilient, so when they find themselves without a safe place to sleep, the people around them may not even realize it," said Lupita Gutierrez, Executive Director of Casa Youth Shelter. "That's why it's so important to bring awareness to an issue that often goes unnoticed. We want people to recognize the signs sooner and know how to help."

At the heart of the event are local high school students using their voices and leadership to bring attention to an issue affecting their peers. Members of Casa Youth Shelter's Youth Leadership Program will help bring realistic scenarios to life, including couch surfing, living in vehicles, and navigating unsafe home environments.

Attendees will also have opportunities to connect with community organizations, participate in hands-on activities, and reflect on what they have learned alongside Casa Youth Shelter's clinical team.

Beyond raising awareness, the event aims to challenge misconceptions about youth homelessness and encourage community members to play a role in prevention and early intervention.

"We want people to leave recognizing that these are kids in our own communities," Gutierrez added. "They may be sitting next to your child in class or working at your neighborhood grocery store. The fact that we don't see what they're going through doesn't mean it isn't happening."

Event Details

What: A Walk in Their Shoes — A Free Community Awareness Event
When: Saturday, November 21, 2026, 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Where: Casa Youth Shelter, 10911 Reagan Street, Los Alamitos, CA 90720
Admission: Free; advance registration encouraged
Recommended Ages: 11 and older

Attendees are encouraged to bring one new, full-sized hygiene item to support young people in need.