The topic of Flagstaff’s homeless youth population is not often addressed by the public. Yet according to the Northland Family Help Center, the rising number of homeless youth is becoming a problem, with the center estimating more than 400 Flagstaff Unified School District students are without homes.

The Help Center, with the help of the Alternatives Center, is adressing this issue by distributing clothing and supplies to the homeless youth of Flagstaff to help them get back on their feet. The Flagstaff Homeless Outreach Program takes place every Wednesday at Wheeler Park, which is located directly across from Flagstaff City Hall. Workers from the Family help group and Alternatives Center provide provisions such as food, water, clothing and survival kits to the homeless population of Flagstaff. The help center’s focus is aimed specifically at aiding impoverished youth, but people of all ages are welcome.

The survival kits contain a wide variety of essentials for basic living. The kits usually include lotion, shampoo, conditioner, Band-Aids, condoms, soap, snacks and information on how to reach local crisis hotlines in case of emergencies.

“It’s very important we distribute these kits, for they improve people’s lives and allow them to know someone is looking out for them,” said Brandon Rawls, a Northland Family Help Center outreach specialist of three years.

Workers organize bins full of used clothing homeless youths can sort through, along with food that is handed out to any who wants it. They also organize activities to help entertain and stimulate the minds of the impoverished.

“The activities that we do engage the kids and allow them to contribute creatively to help other kids,” Rawls said.

Common activities for the outreach program include a drum circle, T-shirt design, poetry writing and the painting of a mural.

“I love the opportunity to get to know the youth in the community and figure out the best way to help them,” said Rebecca Lundt, a worker from the Alternatives Center. “There’s a great group of kids out there.”

James Kennedy has been involved in the homeless-outreach program for more than five months now and urges those who are homeless to come to the outreach program.

“You find homeless youth often don’t trust people, and they lack a truly safe place to go get help,” Kennedy said. “Here we will welcome them with open arms and provide the care they need to live a healthy life.”

With winter coming up, workers are hoping to move the outreach program to an indoor location where they expect to put on sporting events and live concerts.

“Realize that even though runaway and homeless youth are relatively small issues, they’re issues that need support,” Rawls said.