September marks Suicide Prevention Month, a critical time to raise awareness, break the stigma around mental health, and remind one another that help and hope are always within reach. At TGTHR, we recognize the importance of supporting not only the young people we serve, but also each other as staff and community members.
The Reality for Young People Experiencing Homelessness
Young people experiencing homelessness face significantly higher risks when it comes to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Research shows that youth without stable housing are up to 13 times more likely to attempt suicide compared to their housed peers. The combination of housing instability, family rejection, social isolation, and limited resources creates a perfect storm of factors that can lead to feelings of hopelessness.
For many of these young people, the path to homelessness often begins with family conflict, abuse, or rejection. When basic needs like safety, shelter, and belonging are threatened, the emotional toll can be overwhelming. At TGTHR, we see firsthand how housing stability serves as a foundation for healing and recovery.
School-Age Prevention: Building Community Support
Prevention efforts must extend beyond crisis intervention to include proactive community-based approaches. Schools, community organizations, and families all play vital roles in creating safety nets for young people. Effective prevention strategies include:
Early Warning Signs Recognition: Teaching adults in young people’s lives to recognize concerning changes in behavior, academic performance, social withdrawal, or expressions of hopelessness.
Creating Safe Spaces: Establishing environments where young people feel comfortable discussing their struggles without fear of judgment or punishment.
Peer Support Programs: Training young people to support one another and recognize when professional help is needed.
Community Connection: Fostering relationships between young people and caring adults who can provide ongoing support and mentorship.
Resources for Those in Crisis
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm, immediate help is available:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for 24/7 crisis support. This free, confidential service connects callers with trained crisis counselors.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor via text message.
Trevor Project: For LGBTQ+ youth, call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678 for specialized crisis support.
Local Emergency Services: If someone is in immediate danger, don’t hesitate to call 911.
Breaking the Silence
One of the most powerful tools in suicide prevention is open, honest conversation. When we talk about mental health struggles, we help normalize seeking help and show others they’re not alone in their experiences. Simple acts like checking in with friends, listening without judgment, and sharing resources can make life-saving differences.
Moving Forward Together
At TGTHR, we believe that every young person deserves to feel valued, supported, and hopeful about their future. Our work extends beyond providing housing to creating comprehensive support systems that address the root causes of crisis.
This Suicide Prevention Month, we encourage everyone to:
- Learn the warning signs of suicide risk
- Practice compassionate listening
- Share mental health resources
- Support organizations working to prevent youth homelessness
- Advocate for policies that protect young people
Remember: if you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Help is available, hope is real, and your life has value. Together, we can build communities where every young person has the support they need to thrive.
If you’re in crisis, please reach out for help immediately. If you’d like to learn more about supporting youth experiencing homelessness, contact TGTHR to discover how you can get involved.
