What We Do: Changing Lives

LEARN MORE ABOUT HAMLET FOR  HOMELESS

How we’re combating runaway youth homelessness

Hamlet for the Homeless is a nonprofit organization serving homeless, runaway youth. Utilizing the study, rehearsal and presentation of Shakespeare as gateways to rehabilitation and stabilization through theatre, Hamlet for the Homeless seeks to provide structure, purpose, safety and increased self-esteem to children who struggle to survive the streets.

Our organization is comprised of community-based providers, industry professionals, activists and advocates serving the homeless runaway youth in the greater Los Angeles area. Beyond a future safe haven, our members provide instruction and oversee our programs in hopes of giving the runaway youth a base education to build a structure and future in the art and entertainment industry

information on homelessness

Homeless youth are individuals under the age of 18 who lack parental, foster, or institutional care.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, youth ages 12 – 17 are more at risk of homelessness than adults. The US Interagency Council on Homelessness shows that 25% of former foster youth became homeless 2.5 - 4 years after exiting care.

There are between 1 million and 1.7 million homeless youth according to The National Center for Housing and Child Welfare, who have runaway or have been asked to leave their homes.  

The US Department of HHS  states that 61.8% of homeless youth reported depression, 71.7% reported experiencing major trauma such as physical or sexual abuse, 79.5% experienced symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder for more than a month. 

Provides Structure

safety and self-esteem

to the children on the streets

"Dramatherapy"

Use of theatre as a therapeutic intervention

40% of homeless youth identify

as member of the LGBTQ community

12-24 is the national average age

for homeless youth

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youth ages 12-17 are more at risk

of homelessness than adults

Homeless youth are evenly male-female, although females are more likely to seek help through shelters and hotlines.

75% of homeless or runaway youth have dropped out or will drop out of school.

For these reasons, Hamlet for the Homeless strives to provide the structure, support and education in the Preforming Arts.

In a report released in 2014, about one in 30 American children was homeless at some point during 2013. That's about 2.5 million kids, and an 8 percent increase to "an historic high," according to the study from the National Center on Family Homelessness. Just over half of these children are younger than six years old.

Our organization is comprised of community-based providers, industry professionals, activists and advocates serving the homeless runaway youth in the greater Los Angeles area. Beyond a future safe haven, our members provide instruction and oversee our programs in hopes of giving the runaway youth a base education to build a structure and future in the art and entertainment industry