Helping homeless youth by donating your car
Your Cleveland car donation to Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio can help end youth homelessness
Homelessness can become a reality for anyone, but did you know, according to a 2012 study conducted by the Williams Institute, LGBT youth make up only 10 percent of the general population, while making up 40 percent of the homeless population.
Why young adults and LGBT youth are more susceptible to homelessness
According to the Williams Institute study, 68 percent of LGBT youth say they have experienced family conflict and rejection, and 54 percent said they've experienced family abuse. Because of this, LGBT youth are more likely to be kicked out of their family home, leaving them vulnerable to homelessness.
Once a young adult is homeless, they are more susceptible to physical abuse, and mental health issues, which increase the likelihood of developing substance abuse problems. Interrupted schooling makes it difficult to find employment, and even if they do, it's difficult to make a living wage, so the cycle of homelessness continues. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the rate of suicide among LGBT youth is more than twice that of their heterosexual peers.
How Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio is taking action against youth homelessness
Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio offers social service programs and assistance that supports long-term goals as well as the immediate need for housing where homeless youth, including many LGBT youth, find support. Personalized career development plans and application strategy, employment training, education and mentorship are all part of Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio's strategy to end youth homelessness for good in the Cleveland community.
How your car donation can help all homeless youth
By donating your car to Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio, you are actively helping to end homelessness among the most vulnerable youth in your community. Donating your vehicle is simple, and all proceeds directly fund programs like Face Forward 2, which provides employment training and job placement for juvenile defenders, and transitional housing programs at the Walton Avenue shelter in Cleveland.
In addition to temporary housing, Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio offers youth supportive services such as case management, employment counseling and life-skill training. For Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio, the goal isn't just to provide shelter to LGBT youth, but to create a path to a productive future for all homeless youth in our community.
How to donate your vehicle
Donating a vehicle to Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio has a ripple effect in your community. Not only does your vehicle donation support homeless youth in your community, but the proceeds from the vehicle support programs for homeless veterans, youth education, and ex-offender rehabilitation.
Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio makes donating your vehicle as quick and easy as possible. We'll take anything with a motor, including cars, trucks, motorcycles and RVs, even if it hasn't run in years. You can donate your vehicle online by filling out an online form, by mailing a clear title to 5640 W. Broad St., Columbus, Ohio, 43228, or over the phone by calling 800-862-6030. Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio offers free same-day towing as well.
If you don't have a vehicle to donate
If donating a vehicle isn't an option for you, there are many other ways to support Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio's social service programs. All the proceeds from donated clothing and household goods go directly to Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio's many programs. By de-cluttering your life, you can actively help homeless youth and other at-risk members in your community!