ChangeMakers
Be Part of the Solution
What is a ChangeMaker?
ChangeMakers are powerful advocates in the fight to address youth and young adult homelessness.
The issue of homelessness is larger than individual young people without a safe place to stay. It is a systemic problem, one with far-reaching implications for the future of our community. ChangeMakers are ready to be part of bold solutions to ensure a future where no young person worries about where they will sleep at night. Click on the button below to get started.
In 2025, we will be in touch with ChangeMakers like you with opportunities to take action. Fill out the form on the right side of this page to stay connected.
Thank you for raising your hand and using your voice. Thank you for being a ChangeMaker.
Interested in Becoming a ChangeMaker?
Fill out the form below and we will be in touch.
Getting Started as a ChangeMaker
Learn more about youth and young adult homelessness and how you can make a difference by reaching out to your legislators.
About Youth & Young Adult Homelessness
12,000
In Milwaukee County, an estimated nearly 12,000 youth and young adults aged 10-24 experience homelessness annually. This includes sleeping on the street, in a shelter, couch surfing and leaving unsafe homes.
5.3%
of Milwaukee Public Schools students experienced homelessness during the 2021-2022 school year.
Contributing Factors
- Homelessness disproportionally impacts youth and young adults with marginalized identities: LGBTQ+; Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC); those living in poverty and those with disabilities.
- Nearly 1/3 of youth experiencing homelessness have had experience with foster care.
- Milwaukee ranks #2 on a list of metro areas (with a population greater than one million) for the fastest-rising rents in the country.
Effects
- Experiencing homelessness as a young person is highly correlated with lifelong housing instability.
- 1 in 5 homeless young women and 1 in 10 homeless young men surveyed had been trafficked for sex, with even higher rates among LGBTQ+ youth.
- Youth who run away or experience homelessness have higher rates of mental health challenges and alcohol and drug use than their stably housed peers.