Local Officials Support Homeless Youth Awareness With a Purple Pie to the Face

November marks Homeless Youth Awareness Month (HYAM). This nationwide effort began in 2007 to highlight the issues faced by young people experiencing homelessness. The Bakersfield-Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative’s (BKRHC) Youth Action Board (YAB) is leading the charge locally through a series of events all month long. Key activities include the Purple Pie Challenge, a public donation drive, and a Town Hall meeting, all aimed at raising both awareness and resources.

Youth homelessness is a serious issue for Kern County. According to a real-time count from the BKRHC, there are 214 transitional-aged youth (18-24) currently experiencing homelessness, with 62 percent living without any shelter. The YAB is composed of 10 transitional-aged youth who have first-hand experience of homelessness. In the 2022-2023 school year, 6,440 students were identified as homeless under the McKinney-Vento Act’s broader definition, which includes young people without stable housing. Many of these youth face high risks of exploitation, substance abuse, and trauma. 

The Purple Pie Challenge: Raising Awareness with a Fun Twist

The Purple Pie Challenge is a YAB-led social media initiative encouraging community members to post videos of themselves getting pied in the face. This lighthearted challenge has already gained traction, with the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) Dr. John Mendiburu and KCSOS’ Chief of Staff Steve Sanders among the participants. 

“Getting pied in the face was a first for me (thankfully),” Sanders commented. “But it was well worth it given the amazing cause – supporting our homeless youth in Kern County.”

Tom Corson with the Kern County Network for Children (KCNC), Kern County’s Chief Probation Officer Bill Dickinson, Department of Human Services Director Lito Morillo, and others have taken part in the challenge, gladly taking a purple pie to the face for the cause. Allyson Baptiste, KCSOS coordinator for foster & homeless education, says the goal is to use something memorable and fun to engage a wider audience, especially younger people who can help spread awareness of HYAM through social media.

“YAB is leading the activities this year and they wanted to do an activity that would get more youth to participate and pay attention to HYAM,” Baptiste explained.

Local officials Bill Dickinson (left), Lito Morillo (center), and Tom Corson (right) participate in the Purple Pie Challenge.

Community-Wide Donation Drive and Town Hall

Throughout November, YAB is hosting a donation drive for essential items for homeless youth. They’re asking for new winter clothes, shoes, hygiene items, and other necessities. These donations will help meet the immediate needs of homeless youth, many of whom lack basic supplies.

The month’s events will culminate on November 22 with a Town Hall in downtown Bakersfield, where YAB members and community leaders will discuss the state of youth homelessness in Kern. Youth experiencing homelessness are encouraged to attend to share their stories and feedback on current services. Homeless students who attend will also be provided with backpacks, towels, chargers, and reusable water bottles. YAB Chair Gennessa Fisher says it’s crucial to show homeless youth that they matter.

“This is our time as a community to show we are an ally to our youth who are often overlooked and underrepresented,” Fisher said.

The YAB hopes to dispel common misconceptions about homeless youth. Contrary to stereotypes, homeless youth are often invisible, trying to stay out of sight due to safety concerns. Many have faced family dysfunction or trauma, leaving them vulnerable and in need of adult support and stability.

“Many people still view homelessness as “the fault” of the person, including youth, even if they have had no control over their circumstances,” said Baptiste. “This impacts some of the support provided by the community.”

$5.2 Million Federal Grant to Combat Youth Homelessness

Thanks to a new national grant, community support to fight homelessness is getting a huge helping hand. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently awarded Kern County $5.2 million through the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP). This federal grant will fund new and expanded services for homeless youth. YAB members will have a role in deciding how these funds are used.

“YHDP funding is a game changer for Kern County,” Baptiste said. “It will provide Kern County with the financial resources it needs to expand youth homeless programs with proven track records of success, and it will allow Kern to develop new, innovative programs to address youth homelessness.”

For more information on Homeless Youth Awareness Month events or to get involved, visit bkrhc.org.