A Homeless Teen's Story

Published June 14, 2009 @ 04:56AM PT

Valencia McMurray just graduated from high school. She writes poetry, gossips with friends, and has broken a few hearts. She's headed to college next year on a four-year scholarship.

But Valencia's story doesn't end there. She has been without a permanent residence for the past two years... homeless.

She shared her story as part of Minnesota Public Radio's Youth Radio series. Here's a sample:

I've been on my own since 10th grade, some months before my mom moved to Oklahoma to take care of my grandmother. My dad lives in Wisconsin and I don't exactly know him.

After my mom left, I shared an apartment with one of my four siblings in North Minneapolis. My brother and I both worked at Burger King to pay the rent.

A bunch of his friends moved in and next thing I knew, he lost his job and I was trying to support all these adults. I couldn't do it. This is where my homelessness began.

I ended up couch-hopping, staying at friends' places. I was missing a lot of school. My Advanced Placement U.S. History teacher Mr. Heegard could tell something was wrong.

For a glimpse into the day-to-day struggles homeless teens face, I suggest you listen to Valencia's story. Sadly, this remarkable young woman is the exception. The majority of homeless youth are not able to successfully navigate through the challenges of living without a home during their formative years.

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Author

Shannon has worked in homeless shelters and service organizations in San Francisco, the Triangle region of North Carolina, and currently in the greater Boston area. She is a graduate student studying housing and urban policy at Tufts University.