May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on an issue that affects millions of Americans and one that disproportionately impacts the young people we serve at TGTHR. For youth experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges aren’t just statistics on a page; they’re daily realities that can make the difference between surviving and thriving.
The Numbers Tell a Story
At TGTHR, we know that 69% of youth experiencing homelessness struggle with mental health issues. This isn’t a coincidence, it’s the result of trauma, instability, and the overwhelming stress of not having a safe place to call home. When you’re 16 and sleeping on a friend’s couch, or 22 and living out of your car, anxiety and depression aren’t just possible, they’re almost inevitable.
The connection between homelessness and mental health creates a devastating cycle. Mental health struggles can lead to homelessness, and homelessness can trigger or worsen mental health conditions. Without proper support, young people find themselves trapped in a system that seems impossible to escape.
More Than Shelter: Building Mental Wellness
This is why TGTHR’s approach goes far beyond providing a roof over someone’s head. At our supportive housing complexes, 1440 Pine in Boulder and Nest56 in Denver, young people can access mental healthcare and counseling alongside basic necessities like food, clothing, and support with physical healthcare. We understand that healing happens when someone feels safe, supported, and seen for who they truly are.
At Chase House, our residential program for 12-18-year-olds, mental and physical wellness support is woven into every aspect of care, helping youth develop the tools they need for lifelong resilience.
Community as Medicine
Our values at TGTHR recognize that relationships are the foundation of growth. For young people who have experienced rejection, abuse, or neglect—over 60% of homeless youth leave unsafe homes—building trust with caring adults can be transformative. When a young person knows they have someone in their corner, someone who believes in their potential, it changes everything.
This continued care recognizes that healing is an ongoing journey that requires sustained support and community.
The Ripple Effects
The mental health support we provide breaks generational cycles. We know that 50% of chronically homeless adults first experienced homelessness between ages 12-24. When we invest in young people’s mental health today, we’re preventing a lifetime of struggle and instability.
Youth facing homelessness are three times more likely to attempt suicide and ten times more likely to drop out of school. By providing comprehensive mental health support, we’re not just addressing immediate crisis—we’re opening doors to education, employment, and healthy relationships that might otherwise remain closed.
Celebrating Growth, Amplifying Voices
This Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to celebrate the incredible resilience of the young people we serve. Every day, we witness young people who have faced unimaginable challenges choose hope over despair, connection over isolation, and growth over giving up. Their courage inspires us and reminds us why our work matters.
We also know that young people are the experts on their own experiences. When we respect youth voices and center their perspectives in our programs, we create space for authentic healing and growth. Mental health support looks different for everyone, and our programs are designed to meet young people where they are, not where we think they should be.
How You Can Help
Mental health awareness isn’t just about recognition—it’s about action. Here are ways you can support mental wellness for young people in our community:
Volunteer in our programs. Sometimes the most powerful mental health intervention is simply showing up for someone with consistency and care.
Advocate for policies that address the root causes of youth homelessness, including affordable housing, LGBTQ+ affirming family support, and comprehensive mental health services.
Donate to support our programs that provide direct mental health services.
Educate yourself about the unique challenges facing LGBTQ+ youth, young people aging out of foster care, and youth from communities of color—populations that are disproportionately represented among homeless youth.
Breaking the Cycle
At TGTHR, we envision a society that values every young person, ensuring they are supported and safe. This Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re reminded that mental wellness is a fundamental need that every young person deserves to have met.
When we provide comprehensive mental health support alongside safe housing and community connection, we’re helping young people build thriving futures. Because every young person deserves the chance to heal, grow, and succeed.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, remember that help is available. Together, we can break the cycle and build a community where every young person has the support they need to flourish.