Westminster, MD, Thursday, November 13, 2025 – November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month (NHYAM). Established in 2007, NHYAM promotes understanding and awareness of the issues of youth homelessness and potential solutions for youth and their families. Today, in Open Session, the Carroll County Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation to the Local Management Board (LMB) and the Carroll County Youth Action Board (YAB) to raise awareness of the needs of youth experiencing homelessness in Carroll County. 

The nationwide Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs estimates that as many as 4.2 million youth (ages 13-25) are homeless within the United States each year. Locally, the Circle of Caring Homelessness Board estimates that 176 children and youth (aged 0-24) were at risk of or experienced homelessness in 2025.

How can you help raise awareness and observe National Homeless Youth Awareness Month? One way is to make donations to the YAB Personal Hygiene Item and Coat Drive and collect items that are needed by youth and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Commissioner Kiler shared, “I love Carroll County! Our community always rallies to assist those in need. The young adults organizing this drive and helping their peers are an example to everyone in our county.” 

“It is important to recognize that these youth are members of our community and face many barriers impacting their academic success, including lack of transportation and caring for younger siblings, said Ed Singer, Director of the Local Management Board. “The LMB is committed to working with all youth to help reduce barriers and enable them to become successful adults.”  Details about the drive can be found here.