2. 5,000 others are experiencing some form of homelessness: sleeping in shelters, cars, couch surfing or in transitional housing.
3. Homelessness in Multnomah County jumped 8% between 2009-2011.
4. Lack of sanitary public bathrooms is a health risk for all people, not just those that are homeless.
5. Because everyone deserves a safe place to sleep.
6. Protest for the 2.8 million youth that run away each year.
7. Because no one deserves to be judged by the number of zeroes (or lack there of) in their bank accounts.
8. Because riot police vs. citizens is not democracy.
9. Because democracy only works when everyone has an equal chance/say.
10. Because of where our government is spending money.
11. Because losing the free rail zone immobilizes homeless people.
12. Because sending young girls to sleep outside is dangerous and stupid.
13. Because everyone has the right to dream.
14. To feel empowered.
15. To allow homeless people to regain their dignity.
16. Because "just get a job" is not a realistic answer.
17. Because stopping services for foster children at the age of 18 is preventing them from gaining the ability to take care of themselves.
18. To be family to a street kid who has none.
19. Because the streets shouldn't be the end of the road.
20. Because children shouldn't sleep outside.
21. Because you are one of the 99%.
22. To practice your constitutional right of free speech.
23. To give voice to those that have none.
24.
26. Because 46% of homeless youth are escaping physical violence.
27. Because 80% of girls who runaway report being sexually abused.
28. Because this year 5,000 homeless youth will die on the streets.
29. Because 17% of homeless youth are HIV positive.
30. Because no one likes to be invisible. You can help the homeless people be seen.
31. Because 25% of former foster care youth will be homeless.
32. Because hate and ignorance hurts.
33. Because youth ages 12-17 are more at risk of homelessness than adults.
34.
35. Because the average age of the first homeless episode is 14.7 years old.
36. Protest for the over 50% of homeless youth who were kicked out by their parents or their parents knew they were leaving and didn't care. Protest to show them someone cares about them.
37. Protest for the 13 homeless youth that will die on the streets today.
38. Because homeless youth suffer three times the amounts of stomach problems, 50% more ear infections, and twice the amount of hospitalizations.
39. Because 66% of homeless youth have a parent with a drug or alcohol problem.
40. Because democracy only works when people speak up against injustice.
41. Because it could be your sister/niece/daughter on the streets.
42. Because you have nothing left to lose.
43. Because I need your support.
44. Because if you've read this far down the list you must care at least a little bit.
45. Because tourist season should not mean you have nowhere else to go.
46. Because life is easier when people help each other.
47. Because 32% of homeless youth have attempted suicide at some point in their lives.
48. Because you are bigger than your bank account.
49. Because 48.2% of youth living on the streets report being pregnant.
50. Because homeless youth need you to.
***More than willing to post any/all resources for these statistics. I got them from a collection of sites that I did not properly keep track of. Will backtrack to get the information later. Also, I know most of my readers do not live in Portland and thus cannot be a part of rallies and what not. I will provide a list of ways people can help and update this post at a time. I need to go and get ready for today's protest right now though. Keep us in your thoughts.***
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