VOICES Pledges To Raise $10K For Homeless Foster Youth

SONOMA COUNTY -- Sixty-three percent of Sonoma County households were impacted by the 2017 wildfires. The direct effect the fires had on the local housing and job markets left thousands of people without permanent shelter or employment. A year later, many are still struggling to get back on their feet, 115 Sonoma County foster youth among them. Twenty-four percent of homeless youth in Sonoma County have a history of foster care. Transition-age foster youth, 18 – 24, already begin their adult lives with little to no possessions or savings, no family to rely on for emergency support, and have not yet completed their education or secured themselves in the workforce. Many are also young parents, struggling to meet their family’s basic needs in addition to their own. These pre-existing barriers, coupled with the impact of the wildfires, have contributed to an increase in foster youth homelessness and vulnerability throughout Sonoma County this winter season.

“If it wasn't for VOICES, I must say, I’d be somewhere no 22-year-old wants to be. They're caring, thoughtful, supportive and no matter what, they are always there if you need a shoulder to cry on,” said a homeless former foster youth who relies on VOICES Youth Center.

VOICES, a program of On The Move, is committed to addressing the urgent needs of an estimated 115 transition-age foster youth in Sonoma County who are living on the street by raising $10,000 for homeless youth and families. These funds will enable VOICES to provide each of these youth and their families with basic, but essential resources such as food, cookware, clothing, shoes, temporary shelter, and additional supplies for those with young children during the cold winter months when food and shelter is paramount.

As a participant of #GivingTuesday, VOICES will look to the community for support in raising these funds through online efforts on Tuesday, November 27th. The campaign’s unique hashtag, #YouthVoicesRise, will aggregate all of their campaign news and updates on Facebook and Twitter.

#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. Following Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, this year’s #GivingTuesday will take place on November 27th and will kick off the giving season by inspiring people to collaborate and give back.

For individuals and businesses that would like to contribute to VOICES fundraiser on #GivingTuesday, they may do so through the program’s website (www.voicesyouthcenter.org/givingtuesday) or through the program’s Facebook account (www.facebook.com/voicessonoma). Those who are able to give on Facebook will maximize their gift with Facebook incentives such as matching donation opportunities and zero processing fees, ensuring that 100% of money given goes directly to homeless foster youth.

About VOICES:
VOICES, a program of On The Move, provides healthy, welcoming and lively community centers in Napa and Sonoma Counties where transitioning foster youth have access to comprehensive housing, education, employment and wellness services. VOICES’ unique approach blends powerful youth engagement with meaningful support services that young people need as they leave systems of care.

On The Move is a 501(c)(3) that partners with communities and mobilizes emerging leaders to take action in pursuit of social equity. On The Move operates seven unique place-based initiatives throughout California, including: On The Verge, VOICES, Neighborhood Initiative, LGBTQ Connection, Innovations Community Center, THRIVE Enterprises, and Napa Fire Recovery Center. On The Move’s programs offer a powerful and groundbreaking combination of strategies seeking to engage and develop new leaders, collaborate with partners in rigorous systems change, and foster communities that are inclusive and equitable.

To learn more about VOICES and their #GivingTuesday efforts or to join in the celebration of giving, please visit:
Website: www.voicesyouthcenter.org/givingtuesday
Facebook: www.facebook.com/voicessonoma
Twitter: www.twitter.com/voicessonoma
and follow hashtag #YouthVoicesRise on social media

About #GivingTuesday:
Founded by the team in the Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact at 92nd Street Y http://www.92Y.org, #GivingTuesday is a global giving movement that has been built by individuals, families, organizations, businesses and communities in all 50 states and in countries around the world. This year, #GivingTuesday falls on November 27. #GivingTuesday harnesses the collective power of a unique blend of partners to transform how people think about, talk about, and participate in the giving season. It inspires people to take collective action to improve their communities, give back in better, smarter ways to the charities and causes they believe in, and help create a better world. #GivingTuesday demonstrates how every act of generosity counts, and that they mean even more when we give together.

To learn more about #GivingTuesday participants and activities, please visit: www.givingtuesday.org