"Our kids are out on the streets, unfortunately, in great numbers," according to the Director of Development for Covenant House Florida.
Maria Shorkey is encouraged by the response to the latest "Sleep Out" event that will take place Monday when business executives spend the night sleeping on the streets of Orlando.
It raises both money and awareness of the services provided to homeless youth by the Covenant House.
Star 94.5's Monica May is joining the Sleep Out this year and would like your contributions.
Click here to learn more about the Sleep Out and what services Covenant House provides.
Troubled teens
Last year, over 850 young people called Covenant House looking for a safe place to stay. The prior year, 750 called. Shorkey said its a troubling trend.
Last year, shelter could only be provided to 233 kids. "The tip of the iceberg," she lamented.
Most of the kids live in transitional housing in north Orange and Seminole counties after they graduate from the crisis shelter.
The average length of stay is 40 days, but some stay for years as they go to school to earn a degree or certificate, she explained.
Among them are pregnant teens.
"They have the same dreams and aspirations as all of us when we were at that age," Shorkey said.
"They just have come upon very difficult circumstances and they need a little bit help to get to where they need to be," she added.
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